Ex-boyfriend Juan Carlos filed a lawsuit against his former girlfriend, seeking compensation amounting to 65 million euros.
In a surprising turn of events, former Spanish King Juan Carlos I has announced plans for legal action against his ex-partner, Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein. The legal battle, which is being handled by a London law firm, is set to unfold in Switzerland, where Juan Carlos I has filed a lawsuit for defamation.
At the heart of the dispute is a fund managed by Dante Canonica, a Swiss lawyer, through which payments were allegedly made to Juan Carlos I. Canonica is under suspicion for embezzlement and fraud. However, Sayn-Wittgenstein has suggested in the Sky documentary "Juan Carlos - Love, Money, Betrayal" that the money transfer was a voluntary gift "out of love and gratitude."
The 65 million euros in question were deposited in Switzerland rather than Spain, a choice likely driven by Switzerland's strong banking secrecy, financial privacy, and potentially favorable tax or legal conditions. The specific reasons for this choice remain unclear.
The lawsuit appears to be Juan Carlos I's attempt to recover his wealth and rehabilitate his tarnished reputation. This comes 50 years after his accession to the throne and following years of criticism, particularly over a photo of him on an elephant hunt during a severe economic crisis in 2012.
Sayn-Wittgenstein has made several claims, including that Juan Carlos proposed to her during their relationship, despite being married to Queen Sofía. She also claims that they were a couple between 2004 and 2009. In addition, Sayn-Wittgenstein claims that Juan Carlos gave her a gift of 65 million euros during their relationship. Queen Sofía is said to have received "a similar sum."
However, Juan Carlos denies giving Sayn-Wittgenstein the 65 million euros, stating that the money was merely held in trust. Sayn-Wittgenstein also claims that the money might have come from Saudi Arabia and was intended to bypass the Spanish tax authorities. She insists that no quid pro quo was demanded in the money transfer.
This legal action marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding Juan Carlos I, who abdicated in 2014 and now lives in exile in Abu Dhabi. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for both parties, as well as for the public's perception of the former king.
