After years of being forced to remain in a discreet second place, King Juan Carlos has decided to break his silence to speak about his possible departure from Abu Dhabi. These words have certainly managed to shock the entire Spanish royal family.
For some time now, rumors about his possible return to Spain after years living in the United Arab Emirates have been growing stronger. However, it wasn't until last May 21 when ESdiario revealed unexpected information.
As was confirmed that day, King Juan Carlos had discreetly resumed his visits to Cascais, an exclusive coastal town in Portugal. This location has, for years, been strongly rumored as the monarch's possible final destination.
It wasn't until after he refused to attend the conciliation event with Miguel Ángel Revilla following the latest regattas in Sanxenxo that interest in his movements was reignited.
So much so that, according to sources close to the aforementioned outlet, King Juan Carlos would be determined to leave Abu Dhabi in the coming months. This way, Cascais has emerged as an ideal alternative for him.
Among other things, because of its proximity to Spain (as well as its discretion, favorable climate, and a social environment more receptive to his figure). In addition, it is speculated that his closest circle manages properties in the area, some of which would be related to Marta Gayá, a personal friend of the monarch.
Now, Monarquía Confidencial claims that this possibility is gaining strength day by day. In fact, according to sources close to King Juan Carlos, he has already started to make moves to leave the United Arab Emirates behind and establish his residence in Portugal.
King Juan Carlos shocks the entire royal family by speaking about his possible departure from Abu Dhabi
After almost five years in the United Arab Emirates, King Juan Carlos is seeking an environment closer to Spain, both physically and emotionally. He has reportedly already discussed this idea with several people in his most private circle.
"If I have to remain in exile, at least let it be close to home. Like my father did," the monarch reportedly said, referring to Don Juan de Borbón, who lived in Estoril during the Franco dictatorship.
According to the aforementioned portal, now all eyes are on Cascais or Estoril, two high-end locations where the emeritus king keeps personal memories and significant connections.
In parallel to this information, it has emerged that his closest circle is analyzing different properties that meet very specific requirements. The residence of King Juan Carlos must be discreet, have high security, and be adapted to his current physical needs.
"The house must allow him to continue with his daily therapies without exhausting travel," these sources explained. However, they have also made it very clear that his possible move to Portugal wouldn't mean a return to public life.
Everything suggests that King Juan Carlos wishes to keep away from the institutional spotlight, but with enough autonomy to set his own pace. "Without anyone telling him what he has to do," they added.
Moreover, this possible change of residence also brings with it an important logistical dimension. By being closer to Sanxenxo and Vitoria, where he regularly goes for medical check-ups, the physical impact of his travels would be reduced.