The Infanta Elena turns 59: the challenges of the daughter closest to Juan Carlos I

The eldest daughter of the emeritus Kings turns 59 this Tuesday, December 20. Just a few days before Christmas, the infanta elena He has traveled again to Abu Dhabi to see his father, who will spend the Easter holidays in his retirement in the Emirates (and with these there are three), as we have published. Elena, separated for 15 years from Jaime de Marichalaris the support point of his sister, Cristina. His most immediate challenges point towards his children, Victoria Federica y froilan. His wishes would be to see them focused on their studies. More discretion and fewer parties.

Despite the fact that it was published that Victoria Federica had moved to the Palacio de la Zarzuela, in search of refuge with her grandmother, Queen Sofía, the truth is that the young woman is still at her mother’s side, in the house they share in the Madrid neighborhood of Niño Jesús, next to El Retiro, as confirmed by Hola. After the works on the floor were completed, the Infanta Elena moved back into her home.

Her day to day takes place at the Mapfre Foundation, where she works as a project manager. Elena, at 59, is very aware of her sister. Cristina faces what will be her first Christmas of single, without Urdangarin. A path that the eldest of the emeritus has already traveled, since in 2007 a spokesperson for Zarzuela announced that “temporary cessation of conjugal cohabitation” of the Dukes of Lugo.

So, the monarch’s sister took refuge in her work at Mapfre. Meanwhile, her ex jumped from the bench to luxury fashion, thanks to her friendship with Bernard Arnault, president of LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Dior, Kenzo, Fendi conglomerate…). Marichalar began to be a regular at the front row from the catwalks of Paris. Hand in hand with Jaime, his daughter Vic began to frequent the Parisian fashion environment. Now turned into a it royalhas occupied the covers of several magazines this year (She, Hola o InStyle). Instramer and influencer, Victoria Federica has professionalized her public image. Her mother, discreet and moderate and prudent, would prefer less exposure to networks and more studies.

Passionate about horses since her childhood, the sister of the King Felipe VI He is faithful to equestrian events, such as the last edition of Madrid Horse Week, where he suffered a spectacular fall in the jumps. His link with the bullfighting world is also very present. A few weeks ago, together with Vargas Llosa, he presented the Capote Award for the Arts.

After the marriage breakups of both, now the two sisters stand together and also line up with their father, Juan Carlos I. For memory remains the image of the family visit to Abu Dhabi, with a very smiling king emeritus. A historical portrait of this 2022 that was broadcast that Good Friday with hardly any information activity, monopolizing the headlines all day.

At the beginning of 2023, it is likely that the infantas will return to the United Arab Emirates to accompany the emeritus on his 85th birthday. It will be next January 5 when the former head of state blows out the candles. For the King’s father it will mean his third anniversary outside of Spain.