The exhumation of Francisco Franco from the Valley of the Fallen in October 2019 continues to generate debate and controversy. Jesús Ruiz Mantilla, in his latest novel «Franco y yo», delves into the tensions experienced within the basilica during that historic day. An advance of the book, which goes on sale on April 9, reveals details of the exhumation, including the emotional reaction of Franco's granddaughter, María del Mar Martínez-Bordiú, known as Merry. According to Ruiz Mantilla (2025), the scene was filled with conflicting emotions and political symbolism.

A Carefully Planned Day

According to *El País* (2025), the day of the exhumation was meticulously planned to avoid any unforeseen events. Dolores Delgado, then Minister of Justice, played a key role as the highest authority present. Security measures were extreme, with the area being watched days in advance to prevent any sabotage. The Benedictine monks, initially reluctant, were instructed by the Vatican not to oppose the exhumation. The operation was carried out under the weight of the law, but against their will.

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The Family's Arrival

Franco's family, including his seven grandchildren, their spouses, and almost all of his great-grandchildren, arrived at the Valley in police vans. They were accompanied by lawyer Luis Felipe Utrera Molina. Upon arrival, they went to the funicular cafeteria, where the monks received them and asked for forgiveness for not being able to guard the caudillo's body as they had been entrusted. Prior Santiago Cantera offered confession, and some of the family members accepted.

Inside the Basilica

According to Ruiz Mantilla (2025), inside the basilica, everything was prepared for the workers. The tomb was protected with tarpaulins and scaffolding. Only a few people were allowed to enter, including Francis Franco, the eldest grandson, Utrera Molina, and government representatives such as Félix Bolaños and Antonio Hidalgo. Dolores Delgado was the highest authority present. Everyone who entered the tomb was given methacrylate glasses and masks as safety measures.

The work began with a deafening noise that echoed through the basilica. According to *El País* (2025), Merry sat on the floor to alleviate the wait until she was offered a chair, but Dolores remained standing, closely watching every detail of the operation. The removal of the gravestone caused tears and sobs among the family members on the other side of the tent.

«Here I am again, Grandfather, with your profaners»

In a moment of intense emotion, Merry addressed the opening in the tomb: «Here I am again, grandfather, with your profaners». According to Ruiz Mantilla (2025), few could understand how she could utter a word in the midst of the stench of formaldehyde that blurred their vision and caused dizziness.

«Aquí estoy otra vez, abuelo, con tus profanadores». (Ruiz Mantilla, 2025)

Disagreements and Symbolism

The family did not want to remove the body and place it in another coffin, as the senior officials would have liked. According to *El País* (2025), they did not mind running the risk that the wood would not have withstood the passage of time and that the bones would be scattered on the marble of the temple. Merry carried a paper drafted by Utrera Molina to prevent this, arguing that the tomb was in reasonable condition. However, Dolores Delgado refused to include the writing in the minutes, as everything was already resolved.

Francis wanted to adorn the coffin with the flag of the funeral, but he was not allowed to do so. According to *El País* (2025), after mediation, the Franco family had to settle for their coat of arms and the grandfather's Laureate Cross of San Fernando. To this they added a laurel wreath and five roses provided by the lawyer. Before the gate was opened, Father Cantera recited a response, dressed in the same chasuble that his predecessor had worn at the funeral.

Before carrying the body on their shoulders, José Cristóbal encouraged the bearers: «Go out with your heads held high. Remember that you have the honor of carrying the best man Spain has ever had». According to Ruiz Mantilla (2025), when the bronze gates opened, the hearse that was to take him to the helicopter was waiting on the esplanade. The three representatives of the State remained guarding the closure of the basilica.

In conclusion, the exhumation of Francisco Franco was a historic event marked by tension, conflicting emotions, and political symbolism. The words of Merry Martínez-Bordiú reflect the deep division that still exists in Spain regarding the figure of Franco. As *El País* (2025) reports, the event leaves a lasting mark on the memory of a country still grappling with its past.

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