Juan Carlos I

The Royal House of Spain will make an announcement at 4pm this afternoon.  There is no official line on what it will contain but yesterday several papers reported that King Juan Carlos I had suffered a set back in his recuperation from the operation he underwent in March this year.  With unconfirmed reports that the Infanta Cristina is now in Madrid, this unprecedented announcement is leading to a lot of chatter on social media about the health of the king and the future of the monarchy.  Some say this must mean an abdication, others that the king is in fact going abroad for more medical treatment and will need to appoint a regent.  Whatever the announcement, today could be an historic day for Spain's monarchy.  And for a man who has run into problems in the past few years but who remains one of the great Spanish kings and one of the greatest Spaniards.  Whether he passes on his crown today or appoints a regent - or has something else entirely different to say - whoever follows him, whenever it may be, has big shoes to fill and a lot to live up to.  And all those who look on can do is wish them luck - they will need it.

 

Juan Carlos I, King of Spain

(acceded November 2 1975)