Juan Carlos' operation is a success

The King of Spain has come out of theatre and the initial reports on his most recent operation is that it's been a success.  Royal household sources said that the operation has gone well and a full press conference will follow later with details of the operation - which lasted around two and a half hours - as well as the king's recovery programme.

 

King Juan Carlos of Spain arriving at the Quiron hospital in Madrid ahead of his operation

 

The king arrived at the hospital just after 3pm and the operation began around 9pm, ending at about 11.30pm local time.  Most of his family are at the hospital to be with him as he begins his recuperation with the queen leading the way.  Prince Felipe was the last to arrive, accompanied by Letizia, but the Infanta Cristina isn't there.

 

 

Felipe and Letizia arriving at the hospital where the King of Spain has undergone a successful operation to treat a hip replacement that became infected

A modern royal operation

King Juan Carlos of Spain is now in the Quiron hospital in Madrid ahead of an operation this evening to mend the hip replacement that has become infected.  The royal household will send text messages to let the media, waiting outside, that the operation has begun and there will be a press conference at the end of the procedure.

 

King Juan Carlos of Spain arrives at the Quiron hospital in Madrid ahead of his operation

 

The king has been joking with journalists for the last twenty four hours and his son, Prince Felipe, spoke this morning of his father's high spirits ahead of the operation.  There has been intense media speculation over just about everything linked to the Spanish monarchy ever since reports last Thursday that Juan Carlos had suffered a set back in his recovery following another operation earlier this year.  The royals will be hoping that the press conference that follows the procedure this evening will allow the rumours to simmer down a bit, even if only for a short while.