Spain's Crown Prince Felipe talks with his father Spain's
King Juan Carlos.
King Juan Carlos, who led Spain's transition from
dictatorship to democracy but faced damaging scandals amid the nation's
financial meltdown, announced Monday he will abdicate in favor of his
more popular son so that fresh royal blood can rally the nation.
While the monarchy is largely symbolic, Juan Carlos' surprise
decision may hold implications for the burning issue of Catalonia, which
is to hold a secession referendum this fall.
A constitutional revision is required to ensure Crown Prince
Felipe's first-born daughter will succeed him, and there was speculation
other changes might be made to dull secessionist fervor in the wealthy
northeastern region. More pics after cut...
Juan Carlos said 46-year-old Felipe is ready to be king and will
"open a new era of hope." The son already has greater command over the
hearts of his people: Felipe's 70 percent approval in a recent El Mundo
newspaper poll dwarfs Juan Carlos' 41 percent.
Spanish King Juan Carlos, waves after attending an Easter Mass
at the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
In this photo released by the Royal
Palace on Monday, June 2, 2014, Spain's King Juan Carlos signs a
document in the Zarzuela Palace opening the way for his abdication.
In this May 21, 2004
photo, Spain's Princess Letizia and Prince Felipe, seen a day before
their wedding day with King Juan Carlos, right, in Madrid.
Spain's King Juan Carlos, right, and Spain's Crown Prince
Felipe, left, attend the annual Pascua Militar Epiphany ceremony at the
Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain.
Spain's Crown Prince Felipe, centre, Spain's King Juan
Carlos, left, and Spain's Queen Sofia, right.
This is a Nov. 22, 1975 file
photo King Juan Carlos speaks during his first official address as King
during a ceremony where he was crowned and proclaimed King of Spain.
Seated at left Queen Sofia.
Spain's King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia
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