Ana Pastor, journalist from Spain, asked her self two years ago how it was possible for Spain to not have a documentary series on the Royal Family. She suggested making the first nonfiction project that would show the Spanish monarchy’s recent history. This was how ‘Los Borbones : una familia real’ was created. It is a new format directed and presented by Aitor Gabilondo (‘Patria’), and Atresmedia presenter. The first installment of the series is open on Tuesday at La Sexta.
Pastor explained that there was interest from outside of our borders in a project that would cover the recent history and achievements of the Spanish Crown, which unlike the British royals, has not had its own documentary series, despite being one the oldest monarchies in Europe. This production was based on unpublished documents, images, and testimony from journalists, writers, and others close to the Royal House. Presenter reveals that letters from King Alfonso XIII were found in the archives of the Royal Palace. These letters reveal how similar the Bourbons are to one another. The communicator states that it has shown a trend of surprising similarities, particularly between Juan Carlos I and Alfonso XIII, in particular with their relationship with women, and that the first was charged with commissions.
These six first installments correspond to the premiere season. ‘The Bourbons, a royal family,’ bets on “thematic sections” that are not chronologically ordered. Letizia, who was “difficult” to adapt at the Palacio de la Zarzuela because she is the granddaughter of a taxi driver, is addressed in these six installments. She has been treated unfairly according to her surroundings, including from the media. Pastor says that she is doing a wonderful job with her daughters and it will be good for all.
Aitor Gabilondo believes that the Royal Family has been well protected for many years. He feels that it is time to speak out and “give back that resentment to the Generation of Transition who had to place their trust in the king-emeritus.” It is time to paint a negative portrait of the family that affects our lives. Although the tone was difficult, I believe we have succeeded. He clarifies that there is a middle road between fellatio or guillotine.
Gabilondo recalled that the Bourbons have “reigned, been expelled, and are currently in crisis” over the past 100 years: “It’s not an established monarchy comparable with the United Kingdom.” He emphasizes that they don’t believe in the institution. Pastor, however, is more concerned with the self-criticism that journalists must have about the Royal House’s treatment. “There has been a constant protection and attempt to opacity. The same thing occurred 100 years ago when Alfonso XIII visited a French casino during an economic crisis. It was not included in later counts, according to the presenter of El Objective’.
Gabilondo doesn’t see it as feasible to make a series about the Spanish monarchy that is similar to the highly regarded ‘The Crown’. It is not possible, as there would be no budget. He explains that while there are many projects out there, it is important to keep the Bourbons’ real story alive in your imagination. Then, once you have it in your head, create fiction.
Atresmedia TV and Newtral, together with Alea Media, co-produced ‘Los Borbones : una familia real’. This documentary aims to show “what the Spanish family is like”, starting from Alfonso III to today. The documentary series’ first chapter shows the image Juan Carlos I and Sofia project to the public. It is a happy, simple, happy, and austere family. This was not the case behind the Palace of the Zarzuela gates. Their children were also affected by what happened.
This documentary also examines Franco’s accession to the throne as the emeritus and his confrontations with Don Juan. Don Juan feels betrayed by Franco, which he recounts in several interviews that were saved by the documentary series.
The chapter is primarily about Juan Carlos I’s tragic accident that killed his little brother Alfonso when they were just 18 and 14 years respectively. This series features unpublished photos of Alfonso, who died while on vacation with his family. It also includes the testimony of Antonio Eraso, Juan Carlos’s childhood friend. This episode features Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero as the former Prime Minister, Jose Antonio Zarzalejos as a journalist, Fernando Onega as the expert on Spanish royal families, Carmen Enriquez as well as Pilar Urbano as the biographer for Queen Sofia.
