Spanish King’s Yacht to Be Returned to Donors
July 12, 2013
Byline: Associated Press
MADRID (AP) — The Spanish government said a luxury yacht no longer wanted by King Juan Carlos will be returned to the business group that donated it to the monarch.
Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria said July 5 that the government had agreed to return the 135-foot Fortuna donated by Balearic Islands’ Fundatur foundation in 2000, and that it would be up to the foundation to decide the vessel’s future.
The foundation asked for the boat back after the royal palace in May asked the government to take it off the king’s hands.
The king’s decision was seen as a belt-tightening measure, as Spain braves a severe economic crisis. It came as the monarchy’s popularity had plunged to an all-time low, following scandals that had tarnished the family’s image.
