In a stunning revelation that has rocked European royal circles, Spain's former King Juan Carlos has confessed to accidentally shooting and killing his younger brother during their teenage years.
The Tragic Incident Revealed
The shocking disclosure came to light through a private letter written by the 86-year-old former monarch to his close friend, the Spanish journalist Jaime Peñafiel. The correspondence, detailed in Peñafiel's forthcoming book 'Juan Carlos: The King of the Clouds', reveals the long-held secret about the 1956 tragedy that claimed the life of his 14-year-old brother, Infante Alfonso.
A Family Secret Uncovered
For decades, the circumstances surrounding young Alfonso's death at the family's home in Estoril, Portugal, have been shrouded in mystery and speculation. The official account maintained that Alfonso died from a fatal gunshot wound while cleaning a revolver, but rumours of Juan Carlos's involvement have persisted throughout the years.
The former king's letter states plainly: "I didn't want to do it. It was an accident. The gun went off. It hit Alfonso in the forehead."
Royal Childhood Under Scrutiny
The brothers were reportedly extremely close, with Alfonso looking up to his older sibling. Both were living in exile with their family in Portugal at the time of the incident, having left Spain during the Franco regime.
The tragedy occurred on Holy Thursday, March 29, 1956, when Juan Carlos was just 18 years old. According to historical accounts, the brothers had been preparing to attend Easter Mass when the fatal shooting occurred in Alfonso's bedroom.
Decades of Silence Broken
Juan Carlos's decision to finally address the incident comes during a period of increased scrutiny of his life and reign. The former monarch abdicated in 2014 and has since lived in self-imposed exile in Abu Dhabi amid ongoing financial scandals and controversies.
Royal experts suggest this confession represents a significant moment in the history of European monarchy, revealing the human tragedy behind the royal facade and the heavy burden carried by the former king for nearly seven decades.
The revelation is expected to spark renewed discussion about the pressures faced by royal children and the complex legacy of one of Europe's most controversial modern monarchs.
