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Former King Juan Carlos Praises Franco, Calls $100 Million Payout a 'Grave Mistake' in Memoir Push

French interviews preview a defense of his 1981 coup role, triggering royal unease over renewed scrutiny.

Overview

  • He portrays Francisco Franco as the leader who made his kingship possible to open Spain’s political system, a stance likely to inflame long-standing political sensitivities.
  • He acknowledges receiving $100 million from Saudi Arabia as a gift, calling the acceptance a grave mistake he says was meant to support his family and secure his retirement.
  • Excerpts recount the Swiss investigation that froze accounts tied to the Lucum Foundation after a 2008 deposit, while noting Spanish prosecutors shelved domestic probes in 2022.
  • The 512-page memoir, written with Laurence Debray, is scheduled for publication on Nov. 5 in France and Dec. 3 in Spain, as the Royal Household is reported to view the book as unhelpful to the monarchy.
  • He defends his actions during the failed 1981 coup, accuses aide Alfonso Armada of betrayal, outlines life in exile on Abu Dhabi’s Nurai island, and denies a romantic relationship with Princess Diana.