King Juan Carlos I returned to Spain after the exile and confused the government

Global Look Press/Keystone Press Agency/Global Look Press
Juan Carlos I of Spain returned from exile to applause and possible controversy.

The 84-year-old ex-king of Spain, Juan Carlos I, who fled the country two years ago due to legal problems, arrived on a private flight to spend the weekend at the Vigo airfield on the northwest coast of Galicia.

The king intends to participate in a sailing regatta aboard a ship called the Rascal, which caused confusion and embarrassment for the government.

Juan Carlos was met and hugged by his daughter, Princess Elena, at the airport, along with a crowd of journalists. An eyewitness said the former king was "very excited" about his return, PEOPLE reports.

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