Spain’s Supreme Court this week accepted a paternity suit against King Juan Carlos, the country’s former head of state, said media outlets.
At issue is Belgian citizen Ingrid Sartiau’s claim to be the King’s daughter from an extra-marital affair.
The Supreme Court, however, denied a similar claim from Spanish citizen Albert Solá Jiménez because of lack of evidence.
A prosecutor already recommended against moving forward with both cases.
The paternity claims against Don Juan Carlos have been circulating for years, but he King’s former inviolability meant suits could not proceed.
The legal landscape changed when King Juan Carlos abdicated last year in favor of his son Prince Felipe, now King Felipe.
The Spanish government gave the Supreme Court exclusivity in cases dealing with King Juan Carlos and other members of the Royal Family as a measure of protection against frivolous litigation.
King Juan Carlos remains a deeply admired figure because of his role in restoring democracy in Spain.
However, he thrived more when the media was less keen on reporting about the Royal Family’s private lives.
A recent survey found renewed support for the Crown in Spain under new King Felipe and Queen Letizia, which people identified as among those they most valued.
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