The Palacio de la Zarzuela is going through an especially delicate moment. Juan Carlos I's health has reached critical levels, which has caused deep concern among those close to him. In recent weeks, there has been a notable deterioration in his physical condition, leading to a somewhat more tense atmosphere within the Royal Household.
At 87 years old, the emeritus king is facing a worsening of his mobility. Despite physical difficulties, he has refused any kind of medical assistance, which has surprised his inner circle. The image of strength that Juan Carlos I has always projected seems to be put to the test.
Juan Carlos I's physical deterioration can no longer be hidden
The aging process has deeply impacted the emeritus king and he is often seen moving with the help of an assistant or a wheelchair. His left leg is practically immobilized and despite suffering intense pain, he has insisted on walking by himself. Sources confirm that he can no longer take a step without help.
This behavior highlights an internal conflict that seems unwilling to accept the reality of his frailty. His most recent public appearances, such as at a dinner in Sanxenxo, do not lie. His insistence on walking by himself has made clear the clash between his desire to maintain an image of strength and the true condition of his health.
The growing distance with Felipe VI
Juan Carlos I's health crisis coincides with an increasingly palpable distancing from his son, the current king Felipe VI. The Royal Household chose to veto the emeritus's presence at the celebration of Infanta Cristina's 60th birthday. This gesture has been interpreted as a sign of family tensions within the monarchy.
Vetoing Juan Carlos I's presence at these intimate events shows the Royal Household's desire to protect the institution's image. Since his abdication, Juan Carlos's figure has ceased to be convenient for the Crown, with his public appearances becoming increasingly restricted.
The future of the monarchy and Juan Carlos I's role
The Royal Household's strategy seems to focus on the future, and Princess Leonor's figure is taking center stage. The monarchy is trying to distance itself from memories of a past in which Juan Carlos I played a key role. As of today, his physical and mental decline makes him less and less visible.
Juan Carlos I's reign, which was crucial for the Spanish transition, is coming to a quiet end. The institution seeks to ensure that the future of the Crown is not tarnished by the frailty of his figure. The emeritus's legacy remains a heavy shadow, but the path toward a more renewed monarchy seems to be underway.