The king who surprised the world

In November 1975, no one expected him to become one of Europe's great monarchs.  But he surprised the world,  And in June 2014, no one expected him to leave his throne.  But again, he surprised the world.  Juan Carlos, King of Spain has been a man of surprises who won his place in history and in his country's hearts.  One Spanish newspaper summed it up in one headline - the best king of our history.

Juan Carlos I, King of Spain 1975 - 2014

Many in Spain call themselves Juancarlists and the devotion to this king has been folkloric at times although in recent years his popularity has suffered as his royal family has fragmented.  But as his reign passes into history, it is the high points that come to the fore once more.  And through the mists of time stands the man who many thought wouldn't last a month as king when he took the throne in November 1975 but who became one of the most popular monarchs ever.  Through the swirling memories stands a man who did what many thought could not be done - helped turn Spain into a democracy and in a more peaceful way than anyone could have imagined.  As the story takes its shape in the annals of time, there is a man whose role in averting a coup is world famous.  And through the misty moments comes a man who helped his country become a vital part of modern Europe.  The king for whom no one cared in November 1975 surprised the world by becoming the very pattern of a 20th century monarch whose bravery helped change his country for the better.  His abdication is a shock but then Juan Carlos really is the king who surprised the world.