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Joaquina Dueñas
Domingo, 5 de enero 2025, 21:10
King Emeritus Juan Carlos I celebrated his 87th birthday on Sunday, surrounded by some of his closest friends and family at his luxurious residence in Abu Dhabi. Following recent scandals involving the father of King Felipe VI, after the release of audios and photos of his affair with Bárbara Rey, the anniversary turned into a grand celebration that captured international attention, keenly interested in the Spanish monarch's movements and romantic escapades during his reign.
Among the most loyal and discreet friends of King Juan Carlos were the Infantas Elena and Cristina, and several of his grandchildren, including Froilán, who also resides in the United Arab Emirates, his sister Victoria Federica, and his cousins Pablo and Juan Urdangarín, who traveled together to meet their grandfather.
The celebration began on Saturday, the eve of his birthday, with a spectacular drone tribute that lit up the Abu Dhabi sky. An impressive aerial choreography where lights formed images of King Juan Carlos's face at different stages of his life: from his youth to his signature and a crown. The drones also displayed messages like "Happy Birthday," "Thank you, Your Majesty," and the Spanish flag. The spectacle on the waterfront concluded with applause from those present.
The former monarch welcomed his guests at his residence, although it remains unclear whether it was at the mansion he has been living in since moving to Abu Dhabi in August 2020 or a new 2,000-square-meter villa located a few houses away from the other residence, where he celebrated his birthday last year, as seen on the cover of ¡Hola!. In any case, both properties reflect the lifestyle the former king has adopted in his retirement, surrounded by luxury but away from the public eye.
Among the hundred guests were shipowner Pedro Campos, his host during his regular stays in Sanxenxo; businessman Vicente Boluda; former head of the Royal Household Fernando Almansa; and Marta Gayá, considered the king's most discreet and loyal close friend since the 1990s. However, perhaps the most special presence for the monarch was that of his grandchildren, whom he cannot see as often as he would like since leaving Spain. In fact, Victoria Federica publicly expressed her special bond by posting a heartfelt birthday message to her grandfather on social media, along with an emotional photo of the two together.
Indeed, the grandchildren's trip has been under scrutiny after conflicting reports emerged about whether they flew to Abu Dhabi on a regular flight or a private jet paid for by the honoree.
The party featured a welcome cocktail, followed by a private concert that included a special performance by the duo Los del Río, friends of Queen Sofia's husband, who returned after their success at last year's celebration.
While some consider that, given the recent reports about the former king, the display for his anniversary was unnecessary, his defenders argue that it is a private celebration funded by the attendees themselves. Nevertheless, the drone tribute and the possible arrival of family members on private flights have once again raised the controversies that marked the monarch's voluntary exile.
And indeed, King Juan Carlos, who has been in Abu Dhabi since 2020, although his trips to Spain are becoming more frequent, has become a polarizing figure.
While some highlight his legacy as the architect of Spanish democracy, others criticize the shadows that have marred his later years. However, this 87th birthday has once again been an opportunity for the monarch to reunite with his most loyal companions and friends, always by his side, supporting him in his most challenging moments when his public image and legacy are in question.
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