Spain’s Former King To Go Into Self-Imposed Exile

C: Irekia

The former king of Spain, and father of the current monarch, Juan Carlos, will leave the country according to an announcement by the royal palace.

The decision comes several weeks after the king who reigned from 1975 to 2014, was linked to more claims of alleged corruption.

Although the former king, now aged 82, abdicated six years ago, he remains a huge persona in the lives of many Spanish people, and has reportedly said he will make himself available should he be needed in conjunction with the claims.

No immediate announcements on exactly when the former king would leave the country, or where he would move to were made by the palace.

The former king, then a prince, meeting US President John F. Kennedy

Spain’s Supreme Court two months ago opened an investigation into Juan Carolos and his possible involvement in a rail contract linked to Saudi Arabia..

It is not the first time the former monarch has been linked to allegations of corruption, however, with his 2014 abdication coming about very soon after his son-in-law was linked to similar corruption claims, and an elephant hunting trip taken by Juan Carlos when still king annoyed many at a time the nation was mired in a long term financial crisis.

The statement issued by the royal household indicated that current monarch, King Felipe VI, had offered “his heartfelt respect and gratitude” to his father for making the decision.

Lisa Conklin

Lisa is an Eastender from London in her second year in Taipei where she teaches English, and in her spare time writes poetry. She is a practicing vegan and lover of yoga who lives 'off-grid' as much as possible. She is our weekend editor.