Three appeal judges in London on Tuesday ruled that the former mistress of Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos I could not sue him for harassment in the English courts for the period while he was on the throne.

The judges said in a written judgment that he was "immune from the jurisdiction" in England and Wales until his abdication in 2014.

That means that Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn can still pursue the 84-year-old former monarch in the English courts for his alleged behaviour after that time.

Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who lives in England, wants an "injunction and damages" due to "a continuous and ongoing campaign of harassment" against her.

She claims the campaign began in 2012, following the "break-up of an intimate romantic relationship", and continues to this day.

She filed a harassment suit in London in 2020, alleging Juan Carlos pressured her to return gifts worth 65 million euros ($65 million), including works of art and jewellery.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-exiled-ex-king-juan-carlos-returns-home-after-two-years-480706">Spain's exiled ex-king Juan Carlos returns home after two years</a>

Her legal representatives called Tuesday's ruling "disappointing", but added it only affected a narrow part of their case.

"Corinna's claim can now progress towards trial in the High Court in London," said Michael Kim of law firm Kobre &amp; Kim.

- 'Romantic relationship' - 
 
"The judgment applies to a very narrow issue. It concerns only the period when Juan Carlos was the reigning King of Spain," he added.&nbsp;

"The overwhelming part of Corinna's claim, from 2014, remains unaffected and should proceed to trial."

Juan Carlos's lawyers Carter-Ruck Solicitors repeated his position that Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn's claims were false.

"In its judgment the Court of Appeal emphasised that His Majesty 'emphatically denies that he engaged in, or directed, any harassment of (the claimant) and rejects her allegations... as untrue'," a statement read.

Juan Carlos, listed in court under his full name Juan Carlos Alfonso Victor Maria De Borbon y Borbon, has not appeared at hearings so far.

In March, the High Court in London fully rejected Juan Carlos's claim that English courts had no jurisdiction to hear the case because he had state immunity as a royal.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ex-spain-king-goes-into-exile-escapes-graft-probe-318193">Gravitas: Ex-Spain King goes into exile, Escapes graft probe</a>

Judge Matthew Nicklin said that "whatever special status the defendant retained under the law and constitution of Spain, he was no longer a 'sovereign' or 'head of state' so as to entitle him to personal immunity".

He challenged the ruling and took the case to the Court of Appeal.

Court submissions claim Juan Carlos, who is married, was in an "intimate romantic relationship" with the divorcee from 2004 to 2009 and showered her with gifts.

- Self-imposed exile - 
 
She alleged that Juan Carlos began harassing her after their relationship broke down, using threats, break-ins at her properties and surveillance.

Gunshots were fired at and damaged security cameras at the front gate of the property, she alleged, accusing the former king of being angry at her refusals.

The couple's relationship became known in 2012, when the monarch broke a hip while on holiday in Botswana with Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn and had to be flown home, sparking public anger during a period of record unemployment in Spain.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-spanish-king-juan-carlos-ex-lover-accuses-him-of-harassment-401266">Former Spanish king Juan Carlos' ex-lover accuses him of harassment</a>

Two years later, dogged by the scandals and health problems, Juan Carlos abdicated at the age of 76 in favour of his son Felipe VI, who has now publicly distanced himself from his father.

Juan Carlos went into self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates in 2020.&nbsp;

The pair attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September and were seated together.

Juan Carlos was protected for decades by his huge popularity as a key figure in the democratic transition following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

The excesses of the monarch only came to light in the last years of his reign, triggering a string of investigations over corruption scandals.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Three appeal judges in London on Tuesday ruled that the former mistress of Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos I could not sue him for harassment in the English courts for the period while he was on the throne.

Three appeal judges in London on Tuesday ruled that the former mistress of Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos I could not sue him for harassment in the English courts for the period while he was on the throne. The judges said in a written judgment that he was "immune from the jurisdiction" in England and Wales until his abdication in 2014. That means that Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn can still pursue the 84-year-old former monarch in the English courts for his alleged behaviour after that time. Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who lives in England, wants an "injunction and damages" due to "a continuous and ongoing campaign of harassment" against her. She claims the campaign began in 2012, following the "break-up of an intimate romantic relationship", and continues to this day. She filed a harassment suit in London in 2020, alleging Juan Carlos pressured her to return gifts worth 65 million euros ($65 million), including works of art and jewellery. ALSO READ | Spain's exiled ex-king Juan Carlos returns home after two years Her legal representatives called Tuesday's ruling "disappointing", but added it only affected a narrow part of their case. "Corinna's claim can now progress towards trial in the High Court in London," said Michael Kim of law firm Kobre & Kim. - 'Romantic relationship' - "The judgment applies to a very narrow issue. It concerns only the period when Juan Carlos was the reigning King of Spain," he added. "The overwhelming part of Corinna's claim, from 2014, remains unaffected and should proceed to trial." Juan Carlos's lawyers Carter-Ruck Solicitors repeated his position that Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn's claims were false. "In its judgment the Court of Appeal emphasised that His Majesty 'emphatically denies that he engaged in, or directed, any harassment of (the claimant) and rejects her allegations... as untrue'," a statement read. Juan Carlos, listed in court under his full name Juan Carlos Alfonso Victor Maria De Borbon y Borbon, has not appeared at hearings so far. In March, the High Court in London fully rejected Juan Carlos's claim that English courts had no jurisdiction to hear the case because he had state immunity as a royal. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Ex-Spain King goes into exile, Escapes graft probe Judge Matthew Nicklin said that "whatever special status the defendant retained under the law and constitution of Spain, he was no longer a 'sovereign' or 'head of state' so as to entitle him to personal immunity". He challenged the ruling and took the case to the Court of Appeal. Court submissions claim Juan Carlos, who is married, was in an "intimate romantic relationship" with the divorcee from 2004 to 2009 and showered her with gifts. - Self-imposed exile - She alleged that Juan Carlos began harassing her after their relationship broke down, using threats, break-ins at her properties and surveillance. Gunshots were fired at and damaged security cameras at the front gate of the property, she alleged, accusing the former king of being angry at her refusals. The couple's relationship became known in 2012, when the monarch broke a hip while on holiday in Botswana with Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn and had to be flown home, sparking public anger during a period of record unemployment in Spain. ALSO READ | Former Spanish king Juan Carlos' ex-lover accuses him of harassment Two years later, dogged by the scandals and health problems, Juan Carlos abdicated at the age of 76 in favour of his son Felipe VI, who has now publicly distanced himself from his father. Juan Carlos went into self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates in 2020. The pair attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September and were seated together. Juan Carlos was protected for decades by his huge popularity as a key figure in the democratic transition following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. The excesses of the monarch only came to light in the last years of his reign, triggering a string of investigations over corruption scandals. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Spain's former king wins partial victory in UK harassment case

Catalonia's regional parliament has passed a non-binding motion voicing its concerns against the monarchy after Spain's former king Juan Carlos disappeared amid various scandals.

The three separatists parties have denied to recognize&nbsp;King Felipe VI, the serving monarch as a leader. The parties&nbsp;voted in favor of the motion which criticises&nbsp;the decision of Juan Carlos to go into exile without any discussions, especially amid controversies.

The representatives passed a proposal of&nbsp;“Catalonia is a republic and does not want a king” by 69 votes in favor and 65 against.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-ex-king-juan-carlos-is-in-abu-dhabi-media-reports-318844">Also read|&nbsp;Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos is in Abu Dhabi: Media reports</a>

“Neither Spaniards nor Catalans deserve such a loud and ridiculous scandal on an international scale,” Catalan leader Quim Torra told the regional parliament in a special session that he called to discuss the monarchy.

the 82-year-old left the country few days ago to an undisclosed location, and since then the Spanish and international media has been guessing his location — some of which have been&nbsp;Portugal, the Dominican Republic and Abu Dhabi. The only confirmed thing till now is that the ex-Spanish monarch left the country on a private jet on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-flees-the-country-318186">Also read|&nbsp;Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country</a>

“We Catalans do not have a king and we do not want one,” Torra said. “What authority will we have to enforce the rules against corruption if we accept a royal family that escapes when they are investigated after taking millions and millions of euros in terrible business commissions?”

Catalans have been looking for an opportunity to establish Catalonia Republic, and this has provided them with one of the best times to voice their opinion.&nbsp;

Juan Carlos had been under fire in Spain and Switzerland over suspicions surrounding a multi-billion high-speed Saudi train contract won by Spanish firms, all of the allegations that had been declined by Carlos' representative.

Catalonia's regional parliament has passed a non-binding motion voicing its concerns against the monarchy after Spain's former king Juan Carlos disappeared amid various scandals.

Catalonia's regional parliament has passed a non-binding motion voicing its concerns against the monarchy after Spain's former king Juan Carlos disappeared amid various scandals. The three separatists parties have denied to recognize King Felipe VI, the serving monarch as a leader. The parties voted in favor of the motion which criticises the decision of Juan Carlos to go into exile without any discussions, especially amid controversies. The representatives passed a proposal of “Catalonia is a republic and does not want a king” by 69 votes in favor and 65 against. Also read| Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos is in Abu Dhabi: Media reports “Neither Spaniards nor Catalans deserve such a loud and ridiculous scandal on an international scale,” Catalan leader Quim Torra told the regional parliament in a special session that he called to discuss the monarchy. the 82-year-old left the country few days ago to an undisclosed location, and since then the Spanish and international media has been guessing his location — some of which have been Portugal, the Dominican Republic and Abu Dhabi. The only confirmed thing till now is that the ex-Spanish monarch left the country on a private jet on Monday. Also read| Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country “We Catalans do not have a king and we do not want one,” Torra said. “What authority will we have to enforce the rules against corruption if we accept a royal family that escapes when they are investigated after taking millions and millions of euros in terrible business commissions?” Catalans have been looking for an opportunity to establish Catalonia Republic, and this has provided them with one of the best times to voice their opinion. Juan Carlos had been under fire in Spain and Switzerland over suspicions surrounding a multi-billion high-speed Saudi train contract won by Spanish firms, all of the allegations that had been declined by Carlos' representative.

Catalan parliament voices opinion against Juan Carlos' exile

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos has been staying at Abu Dhabi`s exclusive Emirates Palace Hotel since leaving Spain aboard a private jet on Monday under a cloud of financial scandal involving Saudi Arabia, newspaper ABC said on Friday.

United Arab Emirates officials and the Emirates Palace Hotel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 
Dogged by mounting corruption allegations, Juan Carlos, 82, abruptly announced his decision to leave Spain on Monday but there has been no official confirmation of his whereabouts, setting off an international guessing game.

ABC said a private plane en route from Paris to Abu Dhabi stopped off in the northwestern Spanish city of Vigo to pick up Juan Carlos, four security guards and one other person on Monday morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-is-currently-in-dominican-republic-reports-318110">Also read|&nbsp;Spain's former king Juan Carlos is currently in Dominican Republic: Reports</a>

Upon arrival at Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen airport, the ex-king and his entourage were flown by helicopter to the government-owned Hotel Emirates Palace, according to ABC, a pro-monarchy Spanish daily.

A palace spokesman said he did not know where Juan Carlos was. The former king`s lawyer did not immediately reply to a request for comment. His lawyer, the royal palace and the government have all declined to say where Juan Carlos is.

Some media have speculated Juan Carlos is in a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic and others place him in Portugal, where he spent much of his youth. But officials in both countries have said they have no knowledge of him arriving.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-flees-the-country-318186">Also read:&nbsp;Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country</a>

In June, Spain`s Supreme Court opened a preliminary investigation into Juan Carlos` involvement in a high-speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia, after Switzerland`s La Tribune de Geneve newspaper reported he had received $100 million from the late Saudi king. Switzerland has also opened an investigation.

The former monarch is not formally under investigation and has repeatedly declined to comment on the allegations. 
The lawyer said on Monday his client was at the Spanish prosecutor`s disposal despite his decision to leave.

Spain and Abu Dhabi have an extradition agreement, signed by Juan Carlos himself in 2010.

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos has been staying at Abu Dhabi`s exclusive Emirates Palace Hotel since leaving Spain aboard a private jet on Monday under a cloud of financial scandal involving Saudi Arabia, newspaper ABC said on Friday.

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos has been staying at Abu Dhabi`s exclusive Emirates Palace Hotel since leaving Spain aboard a private jet on Monday under a cloud of financial scandal involving Saudi Arabia, newspaper ABC said on Friday. United Arab Emirates officials and the Emirates Palace Hotel did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Dogged by mounting corruption allegations, Juan Carlos, 82, abruptly announced his decision to leave Spain on Monday but there has been no official confirmation of his whereabouts, setting off an international guessing game. ABC said a private plane en route from Paris to Abu Dhabi stopped off in the northwestern Spanish city of Vigo to pick up Juan Carlos, four security guards and one other person on Monday morning. Also read| Spain's former king Juan Carlos is currently in Dominican Republic: Reports Upon arrival at Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen airport, the ex-king and his entourage were flown by helicopter to the government-owned Hotel Emirates Palace, according to ABC, a pro-monarchy Spanish daily. A palace spokesman said he did not know where Juan Carlos was. The former king`s lawyer did not immediately reply to a request for comment. His lawyer, the royal palace and the government have all declined to say where Juan Carlos is. Some media have speculated Juan Carlos is in a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic and others place him in Portugal, where he spent much of his youth. But officials in both countries have said they have no knowledge of him arriving. Also read: Spain's former king Juan Carlos flees the country In June, Spain`s Supreme Court opened a preliminary investigation into Juan Carlos` involvement in a high-speed rail contract in Saudi Arabia, after Switzerland`s La Tribune de Geneve newspaper reported he had received $100 million from the late Saudi king. Switzerland has also opened an investigation. The former monarch is not formally under investigation and has repeatedly declined to comment on the allegations. The lawyer said on Monday his client was at the Spanish prosecutor`s disposal despite his decision to leave. Spain and Abu Dhabi have an extradition agreement, signed by Juan Carlos himself in 2010.

Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos is in Abu Dhabi: Media reports

Spain's former king Juan Carlos has decided to leave his country, a dramatic exit designed to protect the monarchy after a barrage of corruption allegations

Former King Juan Carlos to leave spain amid graft probe