The storm of the Nóos case and its consequences
Over the last few years, the Urdangarin family has been the focus of various scandals and controversies, highlighting the Nóos Case. Iñaki Urdangarin, former handball player and husband of Infanta Cristina, was involved in a network of corruption that also included members of the Royal House. By assuming responsibility for the crimes of the Nóos Case, Iñaki protected his wife and his family from being directly targeted. However, when Cristina’s divorce became imminent, he decided to reveal more information.
Revelations from prison
Media such as Monarquía Confidencial and El Cierre Digital reported that Iñaki Urdangarin, during his time in prison, had written a memoir where he shared compromising information about Juan Carlos I and his close friends. These memories were used by Iñaki as a means of blackmail against the Royal House, demanding two million euros and a lifetime pension that would range between 25,000 and 50,000 euros. Part of this money would be received outside the country, which further increased the controversy surrounding the royal family.
The effects of blackmail on the family
Infanta Cristina, who had always been by her husband’s side, felt deeply humiliated by Iñaki’s demands. She supported him throughout the judicial process, but Iñaki began a relationship with another woman, generating more tensions. Despite her initial refusal to give in to her ex-husband’s demands, Cristina finally accepted, influenced by the intervention of Juan Carlos I, according to several sources.
Impact on Pablo Urdangarin
The consequences of this scandal not only affected Cristina, but also her children. Pablo Urdangarin became a vocal critic of the Royal House, especially in relation to Felipe VI and King Emeritus Juan Carlos I. Pablo is convinced that the royal family could have avoided his father’s conviction, and that his inaction irreparably damaged the surname Urdangarin.
A broken dream
Pablo Urdangarin dreamed of being called up by the Spanish handball team for the Olympic Games, which would have given him an opportunity to restore his family’s honor and force Felipe VI to recognize his achievements. However, his hope faded when he was not included in the final list, thus marking another blow in his fight to clear the Urdangarin name.