Gracias y adios a Juan Carlos

The King of Spain, Juan Carlos I, leaves the stage today as he signs away his kingdom in an act of abdication that will take place in the late afternoon in Madrid.  As the sun begins to fade on June 18th 2014, so his reign will pass into history to end officially as the clock strikes midnight and June 19th begins under a cloak of dark blue studded with silver stars.

Juan Carlos I became king on November 2nd 1975 on the death of the dictator, Franco, and was instrumental in helping his country make the transition to democracy.  He was once the most popular monarch in the world and his determination to help make his country democratic has had a huge impact across Europe.   Juan Carlos I's time is done, his reign is over but the legacy remains.  Gracias y adios.

Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, 1975 - 2014