A controversial relationship
Eva Sannum, recognized as one of the significant partners of King Felipe VI, did not meet the expectations of royalty. According to Jaime Peñafiel, the emeritus king Juan Carlos I, at the time, would have offered Eva money to discreetly distance herself from Felipe’s environment, thus making it easier for her to find a more ‘appropriate’ partner. But for some sources, those payments might not have been the only ones the model received.
Juan Carlos I and his scandalous life
Juan Carlos I is famous for his numerous scandals, both financially and personally, his penchant for women being especially notable. Throughout his life, up to 5,000 lovers have been assigned to him, some of whom would have received compensation. In contrast, his son, Felipe VI, has maintained a more private and discreet love life, being known for his shyness in these matters. Despite his physical attractiveness, Felipe has always been more cautious and has not followed the hectic love life of his father.
Philip VI’s prudent behavior
Felipe VI did not inherit his father’s obsession with women. His love life began late, during his master’s studies in the United States, where he met his first partner. This delay worried Juan Carlos I, who wanted his son to follow in his footsteps. Rumors circulated about Felipe’s possible homosexuality, fueled by alleged intimate encounters with a cadet at an American military academy, according to journalist Laura Rodríguez.
Drastic measures to maintain public image
Juan Carlos I’s concern about these rumors led him to make radical decisions to protect Felipe’s public image. Thus, he looked for a partner who could divert media attention and silence speculation. The chosen one was Eva Sannum, a Norwegian model whose attractiveness and public presence made her ideal for her role. According to Laura Rodríguez, Eva was hired to serve as a distraction and deflect rumors about Felipe’s sexual orientation.
Desilarating the relationship with Eva Sannum
The relationship with Eva Sannum took an unexpected turn when she appeared in a magazine in an explicit context, something that was not well received by the Royal Family. Although she was initially accepted as Felipe’s partner, her appearance in the Norwegian magazine unleashed a media storm that questioned her suitability as a future queen consort of Spain.
From companion to persona non grata
The pressure from the palace increased, creating a rift between the couple. The constant media attention and the demands of royal protocol proved unbearable. It was then that, according to Peñafiel, it was decided to pay Eva to distance herself from Felipe. Initially, she was paid to be next to him; Now, they were paying him to keep her away from him.