Former King Juan Carlos returns to Spain for 2nd visit since self-imposed exile

Madrid, April 20 Spain's former King Juan Carlos I returned to his homeland for his second visit in three years following his move to Abu Dhabi in August 2020 in the wake of a series of scandals.

The 85-year-old king emeritus, who abdicated in favour of his son, Felipe VI, in June 2014, is attending a sailing regatta in the resort of Sanxenxo in the north-western region of Galicia, Xinhua news agency reported.

Juan Carlos flew to Spain from London in a private jet.

On Tuesday, he watched Real Madrid's 2-0 win against Chelsea in the Champions League in London, and he was also pictured leaving an exclusive club there on Monday night.

Juan Carlos is not expected to travel to the capital Madrid or meet his son during what was described as a "private visit" and a "personal decision" by Spanish government spokesperson Isabel Rodriguez.

Juan Carlos has been credited by some with helping Spain's "transition" after the death of General Francisco Franco in late 1975, but his image has been tainted in recent years by financial scandals and controversies in his personal life.

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