Juan Carlos
His bodyguard accompanies him every step of the way – with a large travel bag
Queen Sofia and Juan Carlos
© Royal Hashemite Court
Juan Carlos traveled to Jordan with his wife Sofia for Prince Hussein’s wedding. Always at his side: his bodyguard, Lieutenant Colonel Vicente Garcia-Mochales, who caused question marks with a large bag.
Spain’s former King Juan Carlos, 85, has been living in exile in Abu Dhabi for several years, while his wife Queen Sofia, 84, has remained loyal to Madrid. The couple rarely appears together in public, except for important occasions. Juan Carlos and Sofia attended Prince Hussein’s 28-year-old wedding together, although the ex-king clearly has health problems.
60 images
Mysterious travel bag at a dream wedding
After Juan Carlos made the first walk to Queen Rania, 52, and King Abdullah, 61, in the Zahran Palace while still supported, he was wheeled to his seat in the pavilion in the palace garden. Next to him, Queen Sofia walked towards the location with a serious expression, a bodyguard had to push the ex-king. Lieutenant Colonel Vicente Garcia-Mochales, the second man behind the couple, also followed them everywhere – with a large holdall. Garcia-Mochales did not let go of this at the evening wedding banquet in the Al-Husseiniya Palace.
Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia at the wedding banquet.
© Royal Hashemite Court
What exactly is in the unusual accessory for royal events of this kind is unclear. But it can be assumed that Vicente Garcia-Mochales always wants to have an emergency kit with him for his famous employer. After all, Juan Carlos is now 85 years old, and in recent years his age has also had an impact on his health.
Who is Juan Carlos’ confidant?
Lieutenant Colonel Vicente Garcia-Mochales has been accompanying Juan Carlos to major royal events more and more frequently in recent years, and was at Juan Carlos’ side when Queen Ellizabeth, † 96, was buried. Garcia-Mochales is a member of the Guardia Civil, a Spanish police force with more than 80,000 members, based in Madrid. In recent years he seems to have become one of the former king’s most intimate figures. He also takes care of the royal in Juan Carlos’ exile in Abu Dhabi. Garcia-Mochales succeeded Air Force Colonel Nicolás Murga, who left his job a few years ago.
Sources used: Royal Hashemite Court, theobjective.com