Spanish government chides ex-king for failure to explain conduct

Spain’s former king Juan Carlos gives the thumbs up before a reception at a nautical club prior to a yachting event in Sanxenxo, north-west Spain (Lalo R. Villar/AP)

A senior Spanish government official has rebuked Spain’s former king, saying Juan Carlos should have used his first trip home from exile to clear the air over investigations into his financial affairs.

Government spokeswoman Isabel Rodríguez said the ex-monarch “missed an opportunity” to “provide explanations and ask for forgiveness”.