King Juan Carlos broke the mold with his Christmas greetings this year. Instead of sending a postcard with a painting alluding to this time of year and the birth of the baby Jesus, he opted for a more playful image in which he is seen enjoying one of his victories at the Sangenxo regattas, accompanied by friends from the sea.
The image of Philip VI’s father coincides with the moment when, along with his ship’s crew, Navel, He collected the European Champion award at the Xacobeo Trophy held in early October. With his smile on his face and his medal around his neck, Don Juan Carlos is seen with sailor Pedro Campos, Real Club Náutico de Sangenxo, his great friend and his host while they are in Galicia. Members of his team also pose with their medals and victory trophies.
© Maria Muina / Jacobio TrophyThe victory that Don Juan Carlos remembers in this year’s Christmas greetings was shared with his family members. His eldest daughter Infanta Elena and his niece Simonetta Gómez-Acebo accompanied him and celebrated his nautical achievements with food. In the evening, the closing dinner was held at the Real Club Nautico de Sangenxo, where the winners of the Jacobio Trophy were awarded, attended by many Galician personalities. Where Don Juan Carlos celebrated his victory with the Bribon crew and the Infanta Elena was the D’Berto restaurant, specializing in seafood and fish with a Michelin star.
© GTRESAs an anecdote, a large sign congratulating sailors with a gift card for the winners courtesy of a department store was changed to the following message in English: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2025, a wonderful montage featuring a fir tree branch decorated with golden balls and stars.
© GTRESIn addition to his daughter and niece, King Juan Carlos was present at the event, his biographer Laurence Debre and his sister Infanta Margarita; his brother-in-law, Dr. Carlos Jurita; his nieces, Alfonso and Maria Jurita; and his son, little Carlos, whose baptismal godfather he is.
© Spanish Royal House
© Spanish Royal HouseKing Juan Carlos is the first member of the Royal Family to send his Christmas greetings with which he once again demonstrates his passion for the sea and sailing.
