Former King Juan Carlos I of Spain has signaled his desire to remain in Abu Dhabi despite the recent closure of tax investigations against him that led to his exile to the United Arab Emirates in 2020, the Spanish crown announced on Monday.
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“For now, I prefer, for reasons that are within my personal sphere and concern only me, to continue to reside permanently and steadily in Abu Dhabi,” the honorary king wrote to his son, the current King Felipe VI, in a letter published by the royal family. “After becoming aware of the decisions of the (Spanish) Attorney General’s Office, in connection with which the investigation, the subject of which I was terminated, it seems to me appropriate to consider my return to Spain, but not immediately,” added the former monarch. five days after the publication of these judgments. In Abu Dhabi, “I have found peace, especially during this period of my life, although naturally I will return to Spain often,” the 84-year-old ex-king said.
Insufficient incriminating evidence
Juan Carlos went into exile in the capital of the United Arab Emirates in August 2020 on suspicion of embezzling and “facilitating the functions” of his son, he recalled in his letter. In particular, he was the subject of three judicial inquiries in Spain, all of which were dismissed.
These investigations “do not allow the initiation of a criminal case against His Majesty Juan Carlos de Borbón (…), in particular, due to the lack of incriminating evidence, the prescription of the crimes and because of the inviolability” that he enjoyed as head of state until 2014, when he abdicated, according to the prosecution. This classification without further action, which followed a similar decision by Swiss justice in December, opened the way for the former sovereign’s eventual return to Spain.
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In the most important of these investigations, since December 2018, the prosecution has been trying to determine whether the former ruler pocketed the commission for the 2011 award to a Spanish consortium to build a rail line between Mecca and Medina. Saudi Arabia. “I am aware of the consequences for public opinion of past events in my personal life and sincerely regret them,” Juan Carlos wrote in a letter to his son, King Felipe VI. The latter “respects and understands the will” of his father, the royal family said in a press release containing the letter.