There has always been speculation about what life was like as a couple for Queen Sofía and King Juan Carlos. Now, a Zarzuela staff member has put an end to the mysteries and has revealed the whole truth. The emeritus royals have been exposed, and now the direction their lives have taken is much better understood.
It has been five years since King Juan Carlos left Zarzuela to move to Abu Dhabi. He did so alone, without Queen Sofía, who decided to stay in Spain. This sparked rumors about their relationship, which were fueled by the fact that Sofía has never gone to visit her still-husband.
The truth about Queen Sofía and King Juan Carlos comes out
For decades, the official residence of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía in Zarzuela was much more than a royal house. It was the setting for family life, monarchical routine, and also for silences that hid wounds. Although everything seemed like institutional harmony on the outside, within those walls there were moments that deeply marked the Royal Family.
Today, we know some details that bring us closer to the reality that was lived in the palace, thanks to those closest to them. Queen Sofía and King Juan Carlos have been caught, and it has finally been acknowledged what their relationship was like. They say that "in an initial stage, the queen was very much in love with him."
However, as time went by, Juan Carlos's alleged romantic affairs began to reach the palace. "There's a second stage where she is very distant," they point out. Even though the then-king's hobbies were already circulating, Sofía "has never been seen giving any strange look" toward her husband.
She endured the speculation stoically solely for the good of the institution. Those were different times, and if they had separated, the repercussions would have been enormous. "She has been very well educated to keep the monarchy," they add about her sacrifice.
She was not naive. She knew perfectly well what was happening, because King Juan Carlos's extramarital relationships were an open secret in certain circles. He himself admitted in some recordings that Sofía was aware of what was going on.
Queen Sofía's sadness over King Juan Carlos
As the years went by, Queen Sofía's gaze took on a sadder tone. While she showed a timid smile in public, it was clear what she was going through. Although she did not show outward signs of bitterness, she carried a very heavy emotional burden inside.
Some people who worked at Zarzuela say that her face became more serious over time. Queen Sofía accepted her role as wife for the good of the monarchy; she wanted to protect the institution above her own personal well-being. She also did it for her children, and for the legacy that had to be kept strong in the face of any scandal.
It could be said that her relief came with King Juan Carlos's exile to Abu Dhabi. Doña Sofía had the freedom to choose to stay in Spain with her family. They are still husband and wife, but they do not live together nor do they have any contact.
Queen Sofía has not traveled to the Emirates to see where her husband lives, nor has she met with him in Spain. Therefore, it can be said that their lives continue on completely separate paths.
Despite the distance, the recent scandals involving King Juan Carlos have affected the stability of the emeritus queen. After the photos and recordings with Bárbara Rey, Doña Sofía reappeared with a serious face and a sad look.
All of this, even though the press has carefully protected her image to avoid causing her greater public harm. "She is experiencing this with great concern and with great sadness," said someone close to Queen Sofía. Without a doubt, the story of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía is one of institutional loyalty, contained pain, and duty fulfilled to the end.