EP Juan Carlos I returns to Sanxenxo with the idea of visiting Princess Leonor
The Emeritus reappears in Spain after passing through Estoril to clear up doubts about his health after announcing his memoirs
In a move that has taken many by surprise, King Emeritus Juan Carlos I reappeared today, Friday, in Sanxenxo (Pontevedra). Just a few days after he announced the imminent publication of his memoirs, titled Reconciliation, scheduled for the end of the year.
Although it was initially speculated that he wouldn't participate in the town's traditional regattas—after staying in Estoril following the book announcement—the emeritus finally arrived yesterday and reappeared today at Real Club Náutico.
His presence isn't only for sporting reasons. He intends to silence rumors about his delicate health. Sources present report that Don Juan Carlos "is well, better than people say" and he wanted to show it with this trip just days before the arrival of the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano in Marín, where his granddaughter, Princess Leonor, is completing her naval training.
The monarch appeared accompanied by his usual boat, Bribón, once again registered with two skippers. In recent statements in Sanxenxo, he had already warned the press: "I'm perfectly fine, you can say all the lies you want." Today, those words have found support in his quick return after the book announcement.
The official account describes a brief but significant visit: in addition to participating in the regattas, a private lunch with friends and family is expected, including host Pedro Campos. The goal, according to those close to him, is to reinforce the idea that the emeritus enjoys full energy and vitality, contrasting with reports that pointed to some physical frailty.
His unexpected return also coincides with the publishing announcement of his memoirs, a work that, according to Planeta, "will repair his story," introducing a more intimate view of personal decisions, successes, and mistakes of his reign. Some analysts emphasize that his presence in Sanxenxo right after making the book public may be a strategy to project strength and institutional discretion.
Although Juan Carlos I hadn't initially planned this trip, his appearance shows that he is capable of acting quickly to direct the public narrative. His gesture will serve both to launch a renewed image of health and to give more visibility to the memoirs that he himself has described as essential to "reconcile" his version with Spain's recent history.
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