The Dutch magazine “Privé” unveiled shocking, never-before-seen photographs of the Spanish disgraced King Juan Carlos I in an intimate embrace with television star Bárbara Rey dating from the 90’s, according to Head Topics.
The images were reportedly taken in Rey’s home on June 22, 1994, during a private moment that has now sparked widespread controversy. These photographs, sold to the press by Rey’s son, Ángel Cristo, have reignited discussions about the former monarch’s tumultuous personal life and the various scandals that have plagued him for decades.
Rey expressed her shock and sadness over the situation, declaring, “I have no words. These photos are mine; they belong to my private life. I will use the justice system to protect my privacy,” as reported by the French media “Gala fr”.
In a public statement, Rey made it clear that Juan Carlos did not take the controversial photos, expressing disbelief that her son would exploit their private moments for financial gain.
The former king, however, has chosen to remain silent in the face of renewed scrutiny over his past, particularly as these images had long been rumored to exist in major Spanish media offices but had never been published. The resurfacing of these photographs highlights the ongoing public fascination with the former monarch’s personal scandals, according to the Spanish outlet “la Sexta”.
Juan Carlos’s reign was marked by several scandals that ultimately led to his abdication in 2014 in favor of his son Felipe VI. His tenure included infamous incidents such as his alleged infidelities and extravagant lifestyle choices, notably the controversial 2012 safari trip to Botswana, which reportedly cost around 30,000 euros during a time of significant economic hardship in Spain.
This trip drew public ire, further tarnishing his image, as well as accusations of elephant hunting that came to light amid widespread criticism of his lavish spending.
The latest revelations involving Rey only add to the already significant controversies surrounding Juan Carlos, painting a picture of a king whose personal life has long been under scrutiny. Juan Carlos and Rey reportedly began their clandestine romance after meeting at a party organized by former Spanish Prime Minister Adolfo Suárez in 1975, according to the same source.
Their affair allegedly spanned nearly two decades, characterized by meticulously arranged encounters facilitated by Spain’s National Intelligence Center (CNI) in rented houses that ensured privacy for the pair.
Their relationship came to an end in 1994, when Rey allegedly threatened to reveal evidence of their affair, including compromising recordings. Reports suggest that the CNI intervened, using secret funds to pay Rey millions to ensure her silence on their relationship, added “La Sexta”.
Alberto Sainz, a former director of the CNI, confirmed that these payments ceased under then-Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who deemed the practice unsustainable. Despite this, Rey has consistently denied ever receiving money in exchange for her silence, complicating the narrative surrounding their relationship.
The recent publication of these photos and documents illuminates a well-kept secret within Spanish society—a narrative rife with power dynamics, love, and controversy that persisted beneath the surface of official discretion, added the same source.
The series “Cristo y Rey”, which premiered last year, dramatizes the passionate and tumultuous love story between Rey and Ángel Cristo, while also acknowledging her complex relationship with Juan Carlos, said “Women El Periodico”.
Rey’s romantic history extends beyond her affair with the former king. In the 1970s, she was famously linked to French actor Alain Delon, and her past includes various high-profile relationships with notable figures such as soccer star Carles Rexach and matador Paquirri.
Her love life has often played out in the public eye, reflecting the challenges and scrutiny faced by a woman who became a symbol of allure in Spanish society.
As the scandal surrounding the leaked photographs unfolds, Rey’s experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the intricate intersections between fame, power, and personal privacy.
The ongoing media attention highlights the enduring fascination with Juan Carlos I, a king whose personal life continues to be a topic of public intrigue and debate.
Once celebrated as one of Europe’s most glamorous monarchs, Juan Carlos I now resides in self-imposed exile in Abu Dhabi, reportedly contemplating a return to Spain.
The former king was forced to abdicate the throne in 2014 in favor of his son, Felipe VI, amidst a cloud of scandal. Since then, he has faced multiple investigations into allegations of bribery and embezzlement.
Additionally, he has been involved in a legal dispute with a former lover, who claims he ordered Spanish spies to break into her home as part of a harassment campaign.
Despite these controversies, with all investigations now shelved or dismissed, Juan Carlos reportedly believes that only one obstacle stands between him and his return to Spain.
According to Spanish media, the “emeritus king” is convinced that the current Socialist-led government is preventing his homecoming. Should the conservative People’s Party (PP) win the upcoming election, Juan Carlos reportedly plans to pack up his Abu Dhabi residence and return to the Zarzuela Palace.
Although many older Spaniards remember Juan Carlos’s reign fondly, not everyone is eager to see the former king return. His son, King Felipe VI, has worked hard to distance himself from his predecessor’s scandals, renouncing his inheritance and seeing his father only once since he went into exile.