Juan Carlos reappeared in Galicia amid the scandal involving Bárbara Rey

King Juan Carlos I landed in Galicia for the third time this year, but this time his presence did not go unnoticed. He coincided with a moment of maximum public exposure: Bárbara Rey, actress and former vedette, released a book with explosive confessions about her relationship with the emeritus.

The former monarch's arrival in Vigo not only reignited attention on his frequent nautical getaways, but also placed him once again at the center of controversy. His former partner publicly accused him of having emotionally abused her and of treating her like a "prostitute," as she revealed on the show ¡De viernes! on Telecinco (Spain).

An uncomfortable return surrounded by tensions

Juan Carlos was received as usual by Pedro Campos, his host and close friend, and was taken along with Campos's wife, Cristina Franze, to the house where he usually stays in Sanxenxo. There, he planned to spend a few days resting and to compete again in the regattas aboard Bribón.

The  visit coincided with the anniversary of his abdication and with an official trip by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to Lugo, although the royal routes did not cross: more than 260 kilometers (162 miles) separated them.

As usual, the emeritus was seen close to the Sanxenxo Yacht Club, his refuge on the Galician coast. His visit to O Grove and the restaurant D’Berto, a classic during his stays in the area, was also expected.

But this time, the context was very different.

Bárbara Rey's harsh words

The media spotlight was far from the sails and the sea.  Bárbara Rey's figure captured attention due to the publication of Yo, Bárbara: Mis memorias, a book in which she recounts intimate and dark episodes of  her relationship with Juan Carlos I.

During her television appearance, the vedette pointed directly at the emeritus with phrases full of resentment:  "He never cared about any problem I had," she stated. She added that she was never treated like the other lovers of the former monarch and accused him of hiding instead of facing the situation.

Rey expressed that, had there been a sincere dialogue, the scandal could have been avoided.  "If he talks to me, I don't go to that extreme," she asserted firmly.

Juan Carlos's appearance in Spain, in that context of public tension, was neither casual nor innocent. His return, although presented as a pleasure visit, took place just when more voices were rising against him.