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Royal sailing fan: Juan Carlos in the Sanxenxo yacht club
Photo: Lalo R. Villar/AP
At the start of his first home visit in almost two years, Spain's former king Juan Carlos was greeted with cheers by onlookers in the Galician coastal town of Sanxenxo.
According to the Reuters news agency, some onlookers shouted: "Long live the king!"
The evening before he had arrived in Spain from his exile in Abu Dhabi.
On Friday, the controversial ex-monarch was in a good mood together with sailing friends.
In Spain, Juan Carlos has been criticized for affairs and financial irregularities.
For a long time it was unclear whether the passionate sailor would take part in a regatta at the weekend.
In the end, however, the 84-year-old boarded a motorboat that accompanied the racing sailing boats.
The ex-monarch has significant walking difficulties, having to be guided by a man on one side and leaning on a cane on the other.
Juan Carlos spent the first night at home in the house of a friend of his, a businessman in Sanxenxo.
Juan Carlos had previously taken part in the sailing championship.
Media interest in the visit was enormous.
About 200 journalists are on site, reported the state TV broadcaster RTVE.
In an hours-long RTVE live broadcast, seven journalists discuss all aspects of the visit.
Juan Carlos landing the day before had been closely followed in the Spanish media.
Meeting with son Felipe VI.
just before departure
A meeting with his son, King Felipe VI, and other family members, including his 83-year-old wife Sofía, is not scheduled until Monday.
It is to take place in the royal residence of Zarzuela near Madrid.
Shortly thereafter, the ex-monarch's return flight to Abu Dhabi is planned.
Felipe tries to improve the royal family's image, which has been battered primarily by his father, and keeps his father at a distance.
fek/dpa/Reuters