There's been speculation as to whether JC would leave the UAE due to the Gulf situation and return to Spain. At one time JC stated he would remain in the UAE "for the time being." There was a second story about a month and a half ago that JC was planning on a move to Portugal. It's rather sad that this Royal Family is another that has been broken, but again, the actions of some family members have brought it on his/herself.
So JC went from being booed and slinking out of Spain in disgrace to a hero's welcome? I can believe that many were happy to see the ex-king, but I have a hunch that "vive el rey" was referring to Felipe. A lot of palace insiders, who are now on the outside, miss the personal enrichment that comes from a close relationship with Juan Carlos. But the public? The taxpayers? The investigation into his alleged corruption didn't go anywhere, really, although JC was found to have undeclared income and was made to pay back taxes. The rest of the allegations either fell apart due to insufficient evidence or were outside the statute of limitations. Are Spaniards feeling nostalgic and forgiving about the former king? I can't imagine Juan Carlos returned without Felipe and Letizia knowing and approving.