The Spanish Royal Family has long been under public scrutiny, and every move of its members is closely analysed. Now, in a surprising turn of events, King Felipe VI and his sister, Infanta Cristina, appear to have put aside their differences and rekindled their bond.
Spanish magazine Semana has reported that the siblings shared what has been described as “the kiss of forgiveness,” signalling a long-awaited reconciliation.
A history of division
The rift between the two siblings dates back to the infamous Nóos Case, which saw Infanta Cristina’s ex-husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, convicted of corruption. As a result, Cristina was stripped of her title as Duchess of Palma by her brother in 2015. Though she was ultimately acquitted, her close association with the scandal cast a shadow over her standing within the royal family. For years, she and her family were largely excluded from royal events, creating an undeniable distance between the siblings.
A public display of reconciliation
After more than a decade of strained relations, Felipe VI and Cristina were recently seen together at a funeral service in Seville for their cousin, Fernando de Borbón y Medina. According to Semana, despite the somber occasion, the two siblings displayed a warm and close interaction, a stark contrast to their previously distant encounters.
The turning point in their relationship appears to have been Cristina’s divorce from Urdangarin in 2023. This removed a significant obstacle to her reintegration into the royal circle. Since then, there have been increasing signs of an improved rapport between the brother and sister, with this latest interaction marking a definitive step forward.
Signs of a new chapter
While this is not the first time that hints of reconciliation have emerged, this recent encounter is the most direct and personal display of their mended bond. The pair had previously been spotted together at private family events, including the funeral of Constantine of Greece and the 60th birthday celebration of Infanta Elena. However, their interactions remained somewhat distant.
Now, as Felipe VI marks a decade on the throne, this renewed relationship with Cristina suggests a fresh start for the family. Sources close to the royals indicate that both siblings are committed to moving forward and leaving past conflicts behind.
A strained relationship with His father
The relationship with his sister is not the only one that has cooled in recent years. Felipe VI’s bond with his father, former King Juan Carlos, has also been significantly strained. Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014 following a series of scandals, including allegations of corruption and infidelity, which led to a loss of public trust in the monarchy.
Since stepping down, Juan Carlos has lived in a “self-imposed exile” in Abu Dhabi, where he has resided since 2020. The father-son relationship has suffered further due to these controversies and Juan Carlos’s continued absence from Spain. In an effort to restore the royal family’s reputation, Felipe VI has distanced himself from his father to preserve the integrity of the monarchy.
While there have been moments of reconciliation, such as an embrace during the funeral of the late Greek King Constantine in 2023, their relationship remains complex and fraught with tension.
Positive signal for Spanish monarchy
The reconciliation between Felipe and Cristina is not just a personal victory for the siblings, but also a positive signal for the Spanish monarchy. The unity of the royal family has long been a matter of national interest. Therefore, public perception plays a crucial role in its stability. A reunited royal front can help restore trust and reinforce the institution’s image.