Spain’s former king to return from self-exile for sailing regatta

Juan Carlos is promised a warm welcome by mayor on visit to boating competition in Galicia

Spain’s self-exiled former king, Juan Carlos, who abandoned the country almost three years ago after a series of damaging financial allegations that further tarnished his diminished reputation, is set to make a trip home to take part in a sailing regatta this week.

The 85-year-old former monarch, who retains the title rey emérito (king emeritus), has been living in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, since August 2020.