Month: February 2016

Where Is Queen Sofia?

Spanish newspaper El Mundo is wondering what Queen Sofia has been doing in recent months.

Queen Sofia, King Felipe’s mother, has not participated in an official event for months, and has not been seen around Zarzuela Palace.

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Sources tell the newspaper she has been spending time with a close circle of family and friends, including her brother deposed Greek King Constantine and cousin Tatiana Radziwill.

Queen Sofia may also be helping take care of grandchildren, including while Infanta Cristina is on trial for corruption allegations tied to her husband.

The newspaper contrasted Queen Sofia’s low-key life to her husband King Juan Carlos’ more lavish semi-retirement.

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Don Juan Carlos said in a new French documentary that he saw his wife at funerals, weddings and baptisms.

Sources speculate Queen Sofia remains disturbed by her husband’s behavior and by her daughter’s legal troubles.

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“Franco Took My Hand”

A French documentary about the life and times of King Juan Carlos is making news in Spain.

Of particular interest has been an anecdote concerning former Spanish Generalissimo Francisco Franco.

Don Juan Carlos, who succeeded Franco, said the dictator took his hand before death and made him promise to ensure Spanish unity.

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King Juan Carlos taking oath of office in 1976. © EFE

Even though King Juan Carlos succeeded Franco, he took advantage of the dictator’s death to re-establish democracy in Spain.

Spanish public television giant TVE helped produce the documentary but is not airing it in the country, calling it out of date.

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King Juan Carlos speaking during the 1991 Ibero-American summit. © EFE

Don Juan Carlos abdicated the Spanish throne in favor of his son, King Felipe, who has now been head of state for more than a year.