Juan Carlos Denies Affair Rumors with Princess Diana in New Memoir

Former King of Spain, Juan Carlos, has publicly addressed longstanding rumors regarding a supposed affair with Princess Diana. In an exclusive interview with Le Figaro Magazine, journalist Charles Jaigu spoke with Juan Carlos at his residence in Abu Dhabi. This discussion coincides with the release of his upcoming memoir, which was co-written with French author Laurence Debray.

Juan Carlos unequivocally denied having any romantic relationship with Diana, despite spending summers together at Marivent Palace in Mallorca when she was married to King Charles III, her then-husband. Their interactions came during a tumultuous period in Diana’s marriage, which had already begun to deteriorate. The former monarch’s attentiveness to Diana during these visits has fueled speculation, with some suggesting that Diana may have perceived him as an ally.

In the interview, he stated, “I never had a relationship with her,” marking the first time he has publicly refuted the affair allegations. The rumors gained traction in 1992 with the release of Lady Colin Campbell’s book, *Diana in Private: The Princess Nobody Knows*, which claimed Diana and Juan Carlos were involved romantically during their time at Marivent.

Roberto Devorik, Diana’s former adviser, previously commented on their interactions, noting that Juan Carlos was “very attentive to her, perhaps too much so.” He added that Diana “flirted” with Juan Carlos but described it as innocent, akin to how any woman might behave in a friendly environment.

While Diana acknowledged having extramarital relationships before her tragic death in 1997, she never mentioned an affair with Juan Carlos. Andrew Morton, a close friend and biographer of Diana, revealed that she expressed a strong dislike for Juan Carlos, perceiving him as a “playboy.” Additionally, her former bodyguard, Ken Wharfe, recounted that Diana found Juan Carlos “too friendly,” remarking on the discomfort it caused her during her stays.

The memoir also sheds light on Juan Carlos’s relationship with the British royal family, particularly with his distant cousin, Queen Elizabeth II. He revealed that he sought her advice before abdicating the Spanish throne in favor of his son, Felipe VI. In a surprising exchange, Juan Carlos recounted Queen Elizabeth’s reaction to his abdication plan, stating, “It is not done! A king dies with his boots on.”

Through his candid remarks, Juan Carlos seeks to clarify his past and dispel the myths surrounding his connection to Princess Diana. As the memoir approaches its release, this revelation is likely to reignite discussions about the complexities of royal relationships and the enduring legacy of Princess Diana.