A scandal that broke out in 2022
At the beginning of 2022, an unexpected event turned the private life of the Urdangarin clan upside down, when Lecturas magazine published a shocking image. This snapshot showed Iñaki Urdangarin walking alongside a mysterious figure on an idyllic beach in the French Basque Country.
The revelation of Ainhoa Armentia
The woman who accompanied Urdangarin turned out to be Ainhoa Armentia, who had shared a brief period of work with him in an office in Vitoria after obtaining the third degree of penitentiary. This revelation became a media bombshell that emerged just when Iñaki was on the verge of conditional release, which generated a considerable impact on his relationship with Infanta Cristina.
The family facade in crisis
Less than a year earlier, in November 2021, various media outlets had photographed the Infanta and Iñaki enjoying a walk in Barcelona, followed by a family holiday in Baqueira. Despite this apparent strengthening of family unity, the publication of the photo with Armentia revealed the stark contrast in their situation, highlighting the humiliation Cristina faced upon discovering her husband’s infidelities.
The pain of an obvious betrayal
This slip was not a simple rumour; the picture of Iñaki in the company of another woman became a symbol of his disloyalty, making any attempt to keep up appearances unsustainable. Previously, Cristina had chosen to ignore the constant rumours about Iñaki’s escapades, but this scandal forced reality to confront her irrevocably.
A marriage of shadows
Historically, the relationship between Cristina and Iñaki was marred by secrets and deceit. From their first meeting, Iñaki was also romantically linked to Carmen Camí, which revealed a pattern of deceitful behaviour that would continue throughout their years of marriage. Iñaki reportedly maintained his relationship with several women, even during his time as husband of the Infanta.
The resistance to leaving everything
Despite the hints and advice of her close circle to abandon Iñaki, Cristina clung to her love stubbornly, ignoring all of her husband’s infidelities and misdeeds. It has been suggested that Iñaki’s list of lovers is extensive, including friends of his wife and his colleagues in various areas.
The outcome of a tumultuous saga
The narrative of dedication and betrayal that marked the relationship between Iñaki Urdangarin and Infanta Cristina has reached a turning point. The series of deceptions, corruption and scandals culminated in a separation that, although painful, seems inevitable in light of the circumstances. This chapter not only marks the end of their marriage, but also the end of an era of illusions and appearances in the royal family.
