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How alleged fratricide, embezzlement, and elephant hunting ruined the legacy of Spain’s king.
Juan Carlos I of Spain came to the Spanish throne in strange times. His father, Juan, Count of Barcelona, was not crowned king despite a long life and a vacant throne. This was due to the Spanish Civil War and the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. While Juan Carlos was a young man, Franco agreed to an arrangement that Juan Carlos would succeed to the Spanish throne after Franco’s death, skipping his father in the line of succession. Therefore, Juan Carlos was the royal heir apparent but under Franco’s control.
While Juan Carlos’ family had to live in exile in Italy, Franco permitted Juan Carlos to move to Spain to be educated. He also joined the army to gain military experience. His life was effectively controlled by Franco.
While visiting his family in Portugal for Holy Week in 1956, a tragedy occurred. His younger brother, Alfonso, died from a gunshot wound. The Spanish Embassy in Portugal claimed that Alfonso died while he was cleaning a revolver. However, rumors swirled that it was actually Juan Carlos who shot his brother. Some accounts say that Juan…
