King’s Grandson Shoots Himself in Foot

Felipe de Marichalar y Borbón, King Juan Carlos’ eldest grandson, shot himself in the foot yesterday during a visit with his father, Jaime de Marichalar.

It appears the 13-year-old was illegally using a shotgun for target practice at the family farm. He would have to be 14 or older to be within the law.

His mother, Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo, and Queen Sofia visited him at the hospital today. Both appeared calm when speaking to the assembled press, with the Queen saying, “Such things happen with children.”

Other members of the Royal Family have also made their way to Quirón Hospital.

The media, especially outside Spain, has found parallels between this latest incident and a much more painful episode decades ago.

“The timing of the accident is also a painful reminder for the Spanish Monarch, who 56 years ago, was involved in a shooting accident in which his younger brother Alfonso, 14, was killed,” wrote The Telegraph in the U.K.

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