Death of the Count of Latores 1918-2009
The Count of Latores - Telegraph
Sabino Fernández Campo, Count of Latores, who has died aged 91, was a close confidant of King Juan Carlos.
As head of the royal household he helped the King thwart a coup attempt in 1981.
The abortive coup d'état happened on the evening of February 23 1981, when 200 armed Guardia Civil agents stormed into Spain's Congress of Deputies during the election of a new prime minister. On the advice of Fernández Campo, the king went on national television in full dress uniform to denounce the coup and to urge the upholding of the law and the democratically-elected government. After holding the parliament and cabinet hostage for 18 hours, the conspirators surrendered the next morning.
The dramatic events of that night transformed Fernández Campo from king's shadow into faithful guardian of the monarchy, a role he discharged until his death. He was not only the king's right-hand man but also played a central role in the education of Crown Prince Felipe.
In 1990 Fernández Campo became palace protocol chief, a post he held until 1993, when the king made him his private adviser. Spanish royal watchers suggested that the king had a particular regard for Fernández Campo for standing by him during the failed coup, and, in 1992, Juan Carlos created him Count of Latores. Last year the King attended a surprise party for the Count to celebrate his 90th birthday.
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