The search for privacy in difficult times
For several years now, Infanta Cristina has made a considerable effort to protect her children from public scrutiny. Despite her attempts to keep them away from the media spotlight, the passage of time and the coming of age of her four children have changed the family dynamic. Each of them has begun to forge their own path, revealing a reality that contrasts with the idealized image that their mother had tried to project.
Unexpected decisions and sabbaticals
Recently, Miguel and Irene Urdangarin opted for a sabbatical year, moving to Zarzuela to reflect on their future. However, young Irene faced a major setback when she failed to meet the requirements needed to enter university, while Miguel suffered an injury during a ski instructor course, leading to a similar pause in his academic and professional life.
Juan’s surprising decision
In an unexpected turn of events, Juan Urdangarin, the eldest son, has decided to leave his job in the UK, where he had been working with Extreme E, to join his brothers on their sabbatical year. Rumour has it that this decision is due to a love disappointment that has led him to re-evaluate his priorities.
Consequences of the family scandal
Juan’s adolescence has been marked by the repercussions of the Nóos case, which has left deep scars on his life. Being the eldest of the Urdangarins, he has experienced the weight of negative notoriety in his daily life. In his youth, he became the target of mockery and attacks in the street, facing insults that followed him even at school, where he suffered bullying.
The search for refuge
Faced with this media storm, Infanta Cristina made the decision to move to Washington, seeking a new beginning. However, the echo of the news about her father reached even there. The experience was so hard that Juan required psychological support to cope with his painful reality. This change of scenery did not succeed in erasing the shadow of the scandal that surrounded his family.
Returning home and its effects
Upon returning to Barcelona to face their father’s trial, the family found themselves in the eye of the storm again. The situation became so unsustainable that all family members, including the youngsters, needed psychological support. At that time, they were 14, 13, 11 and 7 years old, which further complicated the emotional situation they were experiencing.
Reflections on the impact of the past
Journalist Pilar Eyre has raised a crucial question on her blog: What child can overcome such a traumatic experience without suffering any after-effects, even with the unconditional support of his mother, who is also facing her own trial? This reflection resonates in the lives of the Urdangarins, who continue to deal with the effects of their past.
