Juan Carlos I receives Saint-Simon Prize for memoirs in France

Former Spanish King Juan Carlos I received the Saint-Simon Prize in La Ferté-Vidame, France, for his memoirs, ‘Reconciliation’, co-authored with historian Laurence Debray. During the ceremony, the 88-year-old monarch described the book as his ‘last legacy’ to the Spanish people, aimed at providing his ‘part of the truth’ with authenticity and sincerity. He noted that the decision to write the memoirs was ‘more reckless than prudent’ but driven by a mission to leave a testimony for posterity.

In his acceptance speech, delivered in French, Juan Carlos I emphasized his enduring connection to Spain, stating, ‘Wherever I live, I will always belong to Spain.’ He also drew parallels between his situation and that of the 18th-century Duke of Saint-Simon, noting that writing memoirs often requires a distance from the court and power.

The event was attended by his daughter, Infanta Elena, and granddaughters Victoria Federica and Irene Urdangarin. This award marks the second literary distinction for the book in France, following a special jury prize from the French National Assembly earlier this year.