Spanish King Plans to Abdicate, Pass Throne to Son
King Juan Carlos of Spain is abdicating after nearly 40 years at the helm, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced today. The once hugely popular monarch, who was crowned in 1975 and helped his country transition to democracy, will long be remembered for standing up against a military coup in 1981. Juan Carlos, 76, has seen his image suffer in recent years owing to family scandals and gaffes. His health is reportedly failing, and Rajoy said the monarch is stepping down for personal reasons. Spain’s parliament must vote to approve the process before the king’s son Felipe, 46, can be crowned.