The Spanish monarchyis once again in the international spotlight, this time not because of a gesture or a ceremony, but because of the critical perspective of a foreign media outlet: The Times. The prestigious British newspaper has published an article that analyzes the current situation of the Spanish Royal Family. In it, it delivers a harsh statement against the emeritus king Juan Carlos I.
The analysis is based on a recent event led by Princess Leonor, heir to the throne. The young woman received the Gold Medal of Galicia last Monday, the highest distinction awarded by the Xunta. What seemed like a routine institutional ceremony has sparked a political storm that has now crossed borders.
A medal that has sparked criticism
The Times contextualizes the award ceremony as a gesture that has caused rejection in certain political sectors. In particular, it highlights the protests of the Galician Nationalist Bloc (BNG). This party publicly denounced that the medal seeks "to whitewash the crown," an institution that, they say, continues to generate social rejection.
The deputy spokesperson of BNG, Olalla Rodil, stated that Leonor "has done nothing for the Galician people" and that she doesn't deserve such recognition. The first protests occurred, according to the British media, when the princess arrived in Galicia after a long journey on the Juan Sebastián de Elcano ship. That welcome had already sparked controversy in some sectors.
In Spain, the controversy went almost unnoticed. However, the British press has not ignored it and has decided to delve deeper into it. For The Times, what happened reveals the internal cracks that the monarchy still has in our country.
An international perspective on the royal family
Despite the criticism collected, the newspaper also offers a nuanced view. In its analysis, it highlights that Felipe VI has managed to regain some of the public's trust in the institution. They emphasize that the current monarch has been able to distance himself from past scandals and set a new course for the Royal Family.
Leonor, according to the article, has been a key figure in that process. The British newspaper asserts that the princess has gained popularity in recent years. They believe her image has helped reinforce the perception of a younger and more approachable monarchy.
This generational contrast is evident in the article. While the present looks toward institutional renewal, the recent past continues to cast shadows. It is there that The Times introduces a twist that has drawn attention.
The Times refers to Juan Carlos I as "the disgraced monarch"
Without prior notice, the article mentions the arrival in Sanxenxo of the emeritus king Juan Carlos I. Although only a paragraph is devoted to him, the words chosen have been interpreted as a real jab. The Times describes him as "the disgraced monarch who lives in self-imposed exile."
The phrase contrasts with the more respectful tone used when speaking of Felipe VI and Leonor. With it, the British media draws a clear distinction between the old and new image of the Spanish monarchy. It also reminds readers that the wounds of the past still weigh beyond our borders.
Despite the recognition of the current role of the king and his daughter, the article doesn't avoid pointing out that Juan Carlos's figure remains a problem for the crown. Even when he is silent and away from the spotlight. His presence, though limited, continues to generate uncomfortable headlines.