Iñaki Urdangarin has made an unexpected and forceful move that puts the image of King Juan Carlos I in check. The former Duke of Palma has decided to publish a memoir in which he launches harsh criticism against the monarch, claiming that "he let me fall" during his most difficult moments. This announcement has caused a real shock in the Royal Household and in the Spanish political and media spheres.
In his autobiography, which will be published in January 2026, Urdangarin reviews his journey from his wedding to Infanta Cristina to the Nóos case scandal that led to his conviction. According to journalist Pilar Eyre, who broke the news in the magazine Lecturas, these memoirs reflect the disappointment he feels toward Juan Carlos I. In addition, Cristina keeps herself informed and offers her unconditional support to her ex-husband during this period.
During his sentence of five years and ten months (5 years and 10 months) for various offenses related to the Nóos case, Iñaki served time in Brieva, being the only man in a women's penitentiary. At all times, Infanta Cristina was his strongest support, visiting and accompanying him from Geneva, where she lived with their children. This show of loyalty kept alive a relationship marked by adversity and scandal.
Iñaki Urdangarin's move that changes history with King Juan Carlos I
However, in 2022 the relationship between the two suffered a definitive blow when images of Urdangarin with Ainhoa Armentia became public. This event made clear the breakup of the marriage, which had been burdened for years by silence and distance. Although they formally separated, both still share a common commitment to their four children.
After this period, Iñaki has sought to reinvent himself professionally and now works as a coach, a new role he has explained in recent interviews. He acknowledges that he has lived through many versions of himself, including the darkest ones, but that all of them have left him with valuable lessons. In his words, this sum of experiences has allowed him to rebuild his life from simplicity.
Unexpected consequences for King Juan Carlos after Iñaki Urdangarin's move
The memoir is presented as a bomb intended to shake the Royal Household and change the narrative that has so far been kept around these events. Although the final title has not yet been confirmed, its release after Christmas is expected to cause a great stir. This publication could open wounds that are difficult to close for the emeritus king and his close circle.
Ultimately, Iñaki Urdangarin's decision represents an unexpected turn that directly affects King Juan Carlos's image. The revelations contained in the book will not only call the official account into question, but will also rekindle internal tensions within the Royal Family. Next year will be key to understanding the true scope of this controversial autobiography.