Outrage as Spanish princesses get Covid vaccine on visit to former king in Abu Dhabi

The Spanish monarchy is facing renewed criticism as King Felipe VI’s two sisters confirmed reports that they were vaccinated for Covid-19 during a trip to the United Arab Emirates, where their scandal-ridden father and former king Juan Carlos I resides.

Cristina, 55, and Elena, 57, say the vaccine will allow them to visit the former king, who has also been inoculated against the virus, on a regular basis. 

"We were offered that possibility and we accepted it," they said. "Otherwise, we would have waited our turn to get the vaccine in Spain."  

With less than 3% of Spain’s population vaccinated, the two princesses’ decision has spurred criticism from most political parties, adding new fuel to a long-running string of scandals surrounding the monarchy.

"I believe Spanish society doesn’t view members of the royal family getting vaccinated against the coronavirus in Abu Dhabi while many Spanish citizens dutifully wait for their turn favorably," said Pablo Iglesias, the vice president of the Spanish government.