For the first time since 1975, King Juan Carlos of Spain will celebrate his birthday with no country to reign. The man who was head of state for 38 years until his sudden abdication in June 2014 is marking his big day as a former monarch for the first time. It's a big change- personally and publicly.
King Juan Carlos celebrates his first birthday since his abdication on January 5th 2015
The king is always visible at this time of year. He made appearances on his birthday for decades and January 6th always saw him take a starring role in the military parade that kicks off the new year. In 2015, he will be absent from that and absent from the stage on his birthday. It's not known where he will celebrate turning 77 but it will be away from the spotlight. In recent days it's been reported that Juan Carlos was in America to see in the New Year and the time he has spent with Queen Sofia in the months since abdicating in favour of Felipe is said to be scarce. But we probably won't know where the birthday celebrations will take place or whether any of his family will be there to help him mark the occasion.
Juan Carlos I was King of Spain from 1975 until 2014
The Spanish Royal Family needs a few smiles - after the bounce that came from a new king, there were hard times to face again as Christmas approached with news that the Infanta Cristina has been charged with tax fraud. But the man who was head of the Royal House for decades will be far from the public resolution of the latest issues to confront Spain's monarchy. This is a very different birthday for King Juan Carlos, and for his monarchy - as will all his others be now.
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