Scandal-hit former king returns to Spain after 2 years

By ASHIFA KASSAM and CIARÁN GILES
Associated Press

MADRID (AP) — Spain’s former king has returned to the country for his first visit since leaving nearly two years ago amid a cloud of financial scandals. Juan Carlos I arrived Thursday evening at a northwestern town where a yachting event is being held. He did not speak to any media there. The palace says the former king plans to travel to Madrid on Monday to see his son, King Felipe VI, and other members of the royal family. The palace says the 84-year-old ex-monarch would return on Monday to his  “permanent” residence in Abu Dhabi. The palace says the visit reflects Juan Carlos’ desire to “travel frequently to Spain to visit family and friends.” His visit has divided opinion among Spain’s politicians.