The Urdangarin family has been at the center of one of the most high-profile stories of the past decade in Spain. Since the separation of Infanta Cristina and Iñaki Urdangarin, every move their children make has been under public scrutiny.
In recent years, the children of the former Duke of Palma have gone through a period of decisive changes. Between handball matches, studying abroad, and occasional appearances at public events, they have managed to keep a low profile despite the media attention. Today, the young Urdangarin is taking on a key role by fulfilling the promise he made to Iñaki three years ago.
A stage marked by distance
The first years after the breakup were especially tough for the children of Infanta Cristina. Juan, Pablo, Miguel, and Irene faced not only their parents' separation but also the arrival of a third person in their lives. The media impact of the scandal added extra weight to that transition.
In that context, Ainhoa Armentia chose to keep a low profile. She avoided public appearances and trusted that time would ease the tensions with the young people. Her priority was to support Iñaki, without invading his children's space or forcing uncomfortable situations.
Despite those precautions, the relationship was not easy at first. Juan and Miguel were reluctant, while Irene took a distant stance. It was Pablo who, naturally, decided to take the first step toward reconciliation.
Pablo's essential role
Pablo has always been the most conciliatory of the Urdangarin siblings. During his father's legal proceedings, he took on an unexpected media role, with cautious statements that surprised public opinion. That same balanced character has been key to building bridges between his family and Iñaki's partner.
A year ago, there was a first visible sign of that rapprochement: Ainhoa attended one of Pablo's handball matches. The gesture was interpreted as a sign of openness and complicity, as it showed that she shared and supported one of the young man's greatest passions.
This past weekend, the scene was repeated in León. At the Granollers match, both Iñaki and Ainhoa sat in the stands to cheer on the player. The sporting celebration was overshadowed by a more significant detail: the relationship between Pablo and his father's partner flows naturally.
A promise kept
According to sources close to the family, Pablo had promised Iñaki that, over time, he would try to accept Ainhoa and help her integrate. Three years have passed since the relationship became public, and current gestures confirm that this commitment is starting to become a reality.
The fact that Pablo allows and normalizes Ainhoa's presence at important moments in his sports career represents a symbolic step. It is proof that the young man has decided to prioritize his father's stability over past resentments.
That stance has marked a turning point in the family dynamic. Although Juan and Miguel remain somewhat distant and Irene proceeds with caution, Pablo's attitude marks the beginning of a path toward reconciliation. His role could be decisive in whether the rest of the siblings follow that path.