24 DECEMBER 2001
The son-in-law of Spain's King Juan Carlos, Jaime de Marichalar, is in serious but stable condition on Monday after suffering a partial stroke over the weekend.

“The life of the Duke of Lugo is not in danger unless there are complications,” reports head of Gregorio Marañon hospital’s ICU, Jose Eugenio Guerro.

The 38-year-old royal, the husband of Infanta Elena, is on a respirator and paralysed on his left side after suffering a partial stroke caused by an obstruction to the artery feeding his brain. Doctors say it is too early to give a prognosis of Jaime’s condition, and he will be watched closely for the next 48-72 hours. Guerro added that it is possible he will make a full recovery.

King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofia and Infanta Elena spent the night by the duke’s bedside, with other members of the family including Elena’s brother Crown Prince Felipe visiting the hospital throughout the weekend.

Jaime de Marichalar was rushed to hospital after suffering an attack while working out in a Madrid gym late Saturday.

The duke and Infanta Elena, the eldest of the king’s daughters, have two children, Felipe Juan Froilan, three, and one-year-old Victoria Federica.