The Infanta Margarita de Borbón, sister of the emeritus king Juan Carlos I and aunt of Felipe VI, remains admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid due to an infection. The Duchess of Soria, 87 years old, has been hospitalized for several days, although the latest information points to a favorable evolution and a progressive improvement in her health. Her daughter, María Zurita, confirmed this Sunday, November 15, that her mother is responding positively to medical treatment, although she will still need to remain in the hospital center in order to complete her recovery.
The infanta’s daughter went to the Madrid hospital during the morning of this Sunday and, on her way out, she briefly addressed the media to provide details about her mother’s progress. “Well, well, she is reacting well to the medication”, Zurita explained, who wanted to convey reassurance in the face of concern generated by the admission. “She’s coming around,” she added, referring to the infection that led to her hospitalization.
María Zurita confirms that her mother is improving, but she remains weak
Despite the positive news about her progress, Infanta Margarita still has no planned date to leave the hospital. Her daughter acknowledged that recovery will take time and that the doctors are still monitoring her overall condition. “The poor thing is still a bit shaky,” Maria Zurita pointed out, who also warned that her mother “still has a bit of time” admitted before she can return home.
According to the information known this Sunday, the infection that caused her hospitalization is abating and the Duchess of Soria has experienced an improvement over the last few hours. Although her admission to Intensive Care has caused concern, sources from her circle cited by different media outlets assure that her condition has not been serious at any time. For now, no further details have emerged about the origin of the infection or the specific treatment she is receiving.
María Zurita also wanted to highlight the healthcare her mother is receiving at Gregorio Marañón. “We have an amazing public healthcare system”, she said to journalists, showing her gratitude for the work of the medical professionals who are caring for the brother of the emeritus king.
Juan Carlos I and the rest of the family, pending Infanta Margarita
During these days of hospitalization, Margarita de Borbón has had the support of her husband, Carlos Zurita, and of her children, Alfonso and María, who have remained attentive to her progress. Her grandson Carlos is also part of the family circle that keeps a close watch on her recovery.
Asked whether Juan Carlos I was informed about the admission of his sister, María Zurita confirmed that the former king knows the situation and that family members are keeping a close eye on news about her health. «Yes, they are all very attentive,» she said, without offering more details about possible visits by other members of the Royal Family.
Infanta Margarita is currently the only living sister of Juan Carlos I, after the death of Infanta Pilar in January 2020. Both have maintained a close relationship over the years, despite the former king’s residence outside Spain, and they have met on different family occasions and visits to Sanxenxo.
Who is Margarita de Borbón, the younger sister of Juan Carlos I
Born on 6 March 1939 in Rome, Margarita de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias is the daughter of don Juan de Borbón and María de las Mercedes de Borbón-Dos Sicilias. Younger sister of Juan Carlos I, she holds the titles of infanta of Spain and Duchess of Soria, and has historically maintained a discreet profile within the Royal Family, although she has taken part in different institutional, cultural, and charitable activities.
The infanta, who was born blind, has stood out throughout her life for her independence and her connection to numerous social initiatives. In 1972, she married the doctor Carlos Zurita, with whom she has two children, Alfonso and María.
At 87 years old, the Duchess of Soria is now facing a new health problem that has forced her to be kept under medical surveillance. However, a favorable response to treatment and improvement of the infection allow her family to face her recovery with optimism, although it will still be necessary to wait for her progress over the coming days to know when she will be able to receive discharge from the hospital.