Juan Carlos I's Unexpected Move with His Grandchildren That Worries the Royal Household

After the news that Juan Carlos I has taken legal action against Miguel Ángel Revilla, a new move is causing concern in the Royal Household. According to reports, the emeritus has kept conversations with his grandchildren Froilán and Victoria Federica, encouraging them to go to court if they believe they are being defamed. A suggestion that, far from being well received at Zarzuela, has caused concern about the image it might project.

While the Royal Household strives to keep a sober institutional profile and stay away from judicial spotlights, this unexpected move reopens an uncomfortable debate. To what extent should the Royal Family get involved in media disputes that affect their image?

Juan Carlos I's Approach with Victoria Federica and Froilán

Last week, the national press was astonished by Juan Carlos I's intention to take legal action against Miguel Ángel Revilla. The reason: alleged defamatory statements by the former Cantabrian president that, according to the emeritus, violated his right to honor. The reaction was immediate and caused a cascade of analyses and opinions both in talk shows and newsrooms, marking an unprecedented precedent.

It is the first time a Spanish emeritus king has considered taking a sitting or retired politician to court. A decision that, although private, could not avoid affecting the image of the institution currently headed by Felipe VI. Far from easing the media spotlight, the latest information indicates that the legal move has already been registered in the courts of Santander.

The controversy caused by the lawsuit against Miguel Ángel Revilla has been just the beginning. According to revelations by journalist Alejandro Entrambasaguas in Fiesta, after formalizing his legal decision, Juan Carlos I has met with some of his grandchildren. Specifically, it involves Froilán and Victoria Federica.

In his conversation, he conveyed a clear message to them. If at any time they consider that their image has been damaged by public statements or defamatory publications, they should feel entitled to resort to the courts.

Although his words were not a direct incitement, the message is unequivocal. "In some way, he didn't encourage them to take legal action. But, he did tell them that if at any time they deemed it appropriate, they should decide to go to court," explained Entrambasaguas.

For Froilán and Victoria Federica, accustomed to maintaining an ambiguous relationship with the media, this support from their grandfather could mean a change of course. "They have always been protected, they will go from being protected to being practically untouchable," added Entrambasaguas.

Juan Carlos I's Intentions Worry the Royal Household

The domino effect unleashed by the emeritus king's attitude extends beyond the strictly judicial sphere. At Zarzuela, such actions are not only watched with caution but also cause a real headache.

Since Felipe VI took over the Crown, his purpose has been clear. He has always wanted to reinforce institutional transparency and distance himself from past episodes that damaged monarchical credibility.

Therefore, any attempt by Juan Carlos to judicialize his image is perceived as a threat to the narrative of discretion promoted by the current monarch. Sources close to the Royal Household have confirmed that they were not consulted about the emeritus's decision, emphasizing that it is a "personal initiative" unrelated to the institution.

Zarzuela, in its institutional role, avoids commenting, but it would not be surprising if some message of restraint has already been conveyed to the emeritus in private. Any media or judicial episode about the family can cloud efforts to project a modern monarchy and dissociate from past excesses.

The unexpected gesture of Juan Carlos I toward Froilán and Victoria Federica not only reveals his new strategy but also reopens old tensions within the Royal Household. While the emeritus opts for a judicial path to protect his image and that of his grandchildren, at Zarzuela they fear that this attitude will reactivate certain controversies from the past. Will this be the beginning of a new, more combative stage within the Bourbon family?