Published: Less than 30 min ago
Spain’s ex-king Juan Carlos is once again embroiled in a court feud in Britain – to win immunity in court after his former mistress accused him of espionage and harassment.
It was already in 2020 that the Danish-born businesswoman Corinna Larsen (also zu Sayn-Wittgenstein), who lives in Great Britain, sued the former Spanish monarch Juan Carlos in a civil court.
Larsen and Juan Carlos were in a relationship from 2004–2009. She accuses him of spying on and harassing her after their relationship soured in 2012. She also claims the ex-monarch pressured her to return gifts worth €65m, including artwork and jewellery.
The now 84-year-old former monarch – who now lives in the United Arab Emirates – has so far not appeared in court and denies the allegations. He claims that as Spanish royalty he does not fall under the purview of the British judiciary.
In March, the High Court in London rejected Juan Carlos’s claims, citing that he no longer holds any position as head of state. Juan Carlos appealed and was granted permission to try the period he was on the throne.
The case is now being tried in court and a verdict is expected within a few weeks, after which the harassment process may continue.
The case is once again in the news after the release of a podcast series that talks about Corinna Larsen’s accusations. The podcast is called “Corinna and the King” and has sparked new controversies in Spain.
Juan Carlos ruled Spain from 1975 until he abdicated in 2014.