Pablo Urdangarin has taken a definitive step with Johanna Zott by bringing her for the first time to an intimate celebration at Zarzuela. The son of Infanta Cristina was one of the few descendants present at his mother's 60th birthday. In addition, he wanted to share that moment with his partner, thus consolidating a relationship that no longer fears being shown in such private and family settings.
This gesture hasn't gone unnoticed, since among Infanta Cristina's four children, only Pablo and his brother Miguel were present at this very personal gathering. Are we witnessing the definitive confirmation that Johanna Zott is now part of the inner circle of the Borbón-Urdangarin family?
Infanta Cristina turns 60 surrounded by her loved ones at Zarzuela
Away from the media noise that could've marked this birthday, Infanta Cristina chose to celebrate her 60th birthday with a discreet dinner at the Palacio de la Zarzuela. Instead of official photo sessions, she gathered her close ones in private, thus sending a clear message: a new stage of serenity, personal autonomy, and family bonds is beginning.
The celebration took place this Friday, June 13, in the most private setting possible: the Palacio de la Zarzuela. From her residence in Geneva, Infanta Cristina traveled to Madrid to reunite with her loved ones. Although she isn't particularly fond of celebrating her birthdays, her children and closest relatives convinced her to share an intimate dinner.
With her were her mother, Queen Sofía, and her aunt, Princess Irene of Greece, her most constant supporters for decades. Her sister, Infanta Elena, her niece Victoria Federica, and her cousin, Alexia of Greece, who traveled from the Canary Islands, also attended.
One of the most desired gestures was the presence of King Felipe VI. According to Vanitatis, the monarch had planned to attend briefly to blow out the candles with his sister, as a symbol of a gradual rapprochement after years of family tensions. Queen Letizia, meanwhile, wasn't seen at Zarzuela, although some media point to a possible discreet visit outside regular hours.
Another major highlight was the presence of some of Infanta Cristina's children. Pablo Urdangarin wanted to be present and, moreover, has taken the step of including his girlfriend Johanna Zott in one of the family's most personal events of the year. This is an unequivocal sign that their relationship has reached a new dimension.
However, Pablo wasn't the only child who attended the dinner. His brother Miguel, who usually lives at Zarzuela, was also present, although in this case, he attended without his partner, Olympia.
By contrast, neither Juan Valentín nor Irene could attend. Irene, the youngest, continues her studies in Hotel Management at Oxford, in a prestigious international program that prevented her from traveling to Madrid. Meanwhile, Juan keeps his life abroad, away from the media spotlight.
Pablo Urdangarin takes the definitive step by attending the celebration with his girlfriend, Johanna Zott
There's no doubt that the most talked-about image has been that of Pablo Urdangarin arriving by car at the Zarzuela grounds with his girlfriend, Johanna Zott. Seated in the passenger seat, Pablo partially covered his face with his hand, while Johanna could be seen in the back seat of the vehicle.
This isn't a public event or just any social gathering: this is an intimate, family birthday, reserved for the closest circle. Johanna's inclusion in that circle not only reflects the couple's level of commitment but also the acceptance by Pablo's family. This is the definitive step, symbolically speaking, for a relationship that has matured over the past few years.
This move also reinforces the image of stability that Pablo has been consolidating. A Sports Management student at Universidad Europea and a player for the Granollers handball club, his schedule is demanding. Even so, he has found time to strengthen his relationship with Johanna, with whom he has been seen on numerous occasions, though without major media displays.
It has become clear that the presence of Pablo Urdangarin with Johanna Zott at Infanta Cristina's 60th birthday has marked a turning point in their relationship. This gesture, full of symbolism, reinforces the couple's consolidation in a traditionally reserved environment. As Pablo assumes his role as a public figure, it is clear that Johanna is now an inseparable part of his story.