Spending the night in Zarzuela has been and is a red line for Juan Carlos I. Since his departure to Abu Dhabi in August 2020, until his first visit to Spain in May 2022, there have been several opportunities for him to spend the night in Madrid. From the 18th birthday of his granddaughter Leonor to the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of the proclamation of his son, Felipe, last June. On all occasions he has received a ‘no’ for an answer.
The last time he received a new refusal was just a few days ago, on the occasion of the funeral of his nephew Juan Gómez-Acebo. A burial that took place in the military cathedral of Madrid on September 8 and that brought together the King and Queen, Felipe and Letizia, with the emeritus. The four kings together, who 24 hours later we saw again at the funeral of the businessman Alejandro Fernández de Araoz y Marañón. The former head of state traveled to the capital on a regular flight and stayed at the exclusive Four Seasons hotel, in the Canalejas Center of Madrid.
One of the most striking (and recent) events was the birthday of his granddaughter Victoria Federica, who blew out 24 candles at Zarzuela on September 9. There were Doña Sofía, Don Felipe and his mother, Elena. The emeritus joined the family meal, who had to make an appearance, congratulate Vic and leave because he is not allowed to sleep where his home was for almost four decades and where, by the way, his wife lives.
With this red line on overnight stays that has been imposed on him since his departure to the Emirates, the father of Felipe VI has grown tired of receiving a ‘no’ as an answer when he requests that permission, as published Confidential MonarchyIn fact, he would have made the decision not to insist any further until his son invites him.
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