QUEEN Sofia of Spain must decide what her next steps will be now that her husband and former king Juan Carlos has gone into exile.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1318264/Queen-sofia-king-Juan-Carlos-exile-king-felipe-Spanish-royal-family-news-latest

The former king of Spain has faced allegations of financial corruption for a number of months. Yesterday, it was announced Juan Carlos, 82, had made the decision to leave Spain for an indefinite amount of time amid the scandal.

Observers now note the immediate future of the former king’s wife, Queen Sofia, is uncertain.

Sofia, 81, is said to enjoy spending time in the Spanish island of Mallorca at this time of year.

However, it is now not known whether she will continue her usual habit of holidaying there or accompany her husband of nearly 60 years instead.

She may also remain at home in Madrid, where she could assist her son King Felipe VI.

Analysts have said this may be necessary, since the corruption allegations have put pressure on Spain’s royal family.

It has even lead Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, to intervene in Spanish royal affairs, calling the case against Juan Carlos ‘disturbing’.

The allegations also lead Juan Carlos’ son King Felipe to strip his father of his annual stipend – a payment to Juan Carlos from the Spanish state amounting to around £175,000 a year.

In addition, King Felipe also renounced any future inheritance from his father.