Spain's former King Juan Carlos going into exile amid financial scandal

By Spencer Neale

Published August 3, 2020 7:47pm ET

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Spain's former King Juan Carlos going into exile amid financial scandal — FILE - In this Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, file photo Spain's King Juan Carlos leaves after the official opening of the Parliament, in Madrid. Spain's King Juan Carlos plans to abdicate and pave the way for his son, Crown Prince Felipe, to take over, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy told the country Monday in an announcement broadcast nationwide. The 76-year-old Juan Carlos oversaw his country's transition from dictatorship to democracy but has had repeated health problems in recent years. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza, File) | Daniel Ochoa de Olza

The former king of Spain has decided to leave his native land amid turmoil arising from alleged benefits he received as part of a high-speed rail contract deal negotiated with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2014.

In a letter addressed to his son Felipe published by the royal house on Monday, former Spanish King Juan Carlos announced he would retreat into exile after the Spanish Supreme Court opened an investigation into the deal.

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Law Saudi Arabia Spain