A relationship that did not meet real standards
Eva Sannum, known as one of King Philip VI’s most notable partners, did not fit into the rigid molds of royalty. According to Jaime Peñafiel, the emeritus king Joan Carles I intervened to discreetly separate Eva from her, paving the way for Felip to find a ‘more suitable’ partner. Some sources suggest that this was not the only payment the Norwegian model received.
The scandals of the king emeritus
Joan Carles I is famous for his many controversies, both financial and sentimental. With a list of supposed 5,000 lovers, many of whom would have been compensated monetarily, they contrast sharply with the more reserved life of his son. Philip VI, known for his discretion and shyness in matters of love, did not follow in the unbridled footsteps of his father.
Contrasts in the love life of father and son
Unlike Joan Carles I, Philip VI did not inherit the same fascination with women. His love life began slowly during his master’s studies in the United States, where he met his first partner. The delay in their relationships generated concern in his father, who hoped that his son would be more active in the romantic sphere. Rumors about Felip’s possible homosexuality increased due to alleged private meetings with a cadet during his stay at a US military academy, according to journalist Laura Rodríguez.
The intervention of Joan Carles I
Concerned about his son’s public image, Joan Carles I decided to find him a partner who would divert media attention and silence speculation. Eva Sannum, a very attractive Norwegian model, was selected for this task. According to Laura Rodríguez, Eva was hired with the purpose of acting as a front and denying any rumors about Felip’s sexual orientation.
From companion to distant
The relationship with Eva Sannum took an unexpected turn when she appeared in a magazine in a controversial context, which was received with suspicion in the Royal Family. Although she was initially accepted as Felip’s girlfriend, her appearance in the Norwegian publication unleashed a media storm that questioned her suitability as a partner of the future king of Spain.
Pressure from the palace caused a rift between the couple. The constant media attention and the demands of royal protocol became intolerable for both. According to Peñafiel, Eva was paid to stay away from Felip. If before she received money to be by his side, now the payment was to get her to withdraw from his life.
