King Juan Carlos Announces Abdication: June 2, 2014

[muriel]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

I wonder what went on behind the scenes. The old man will surely have protected himself.

My sense is there was probably more bad news that was coming, and the abdication was the price JC had to pay to prevent it from being revealed. As to whether he has done enough to protect himself, who knows!

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

This will be hard on everybody, we'll see how active for example Sofia will stay.

I think they will do well to continue to use Sofia who remains popular. She can help bridge the transition between the generations, and help establish the new King and Queen.

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

Juan Carlos will probably become some kind of Elder Statesman, still using his connections.

I somehow doubt an elder statesman type role would be available for JC. A bit like Albert of Belgium, I think JC will disappear from public view, and will spend the rest of his years in the sun.

[zarat]

Incredible.... I remember a lot of discussions on this forum that he will never abdicates because he had to wait so long for the throne, ect. And yet...
So.... Long live king Felipe and queen Letizia!

[Elektra]

Originally Posted by Josefine

what is known at this time. when will ut happen?
will there be a cermony

There will probably be an investiture ceremony at the Cortes for the new King Felipe VI, but not today.

[Katie]

Don't forget that his health is not the best. German political magazine Spiegel says that his health problems are one reasons for the abdication. (Juan Carlos: Spanischer König dankt ab - SPIEGEL ONLINE)
Plus, the magazine points out that there will be a cabinet meeting on Tuesday because a new law is needed for the abdication and for making Felipe the new King.

[Kit]

So the rumours were true after all. Probably the best decision with all the problems surrounding the casa real. Long live the new King Felipe and his Queen Letizia!

[Jacknch]

I can't believe it - I am shocked to hear the news, but somehow it makes sense for him to abdicate. First it was Queen Beatrix, then King Albert and now King Juan Carlos...makes you wonder who will be next!
Nonetheless, it is thrilling to imagine there will be a new king Felipe and Queen Letizia and I do hope this will give a boost to the people of Spain.

[lula]

It has really been a surprise, few expected this now.

There is little data about what will happen now, today and tomorrow they will explain how they will do things.

Tomorrow the King and Prince have a military act together in El Escorial.

[dazzling]

I didn't think this would come so soon but I must say I think this is for the better. He has been looking quite unwell and weak in the past few years.


Was there any notice or rumors that it would be so soon? When will Felipe be sworn in?

[Mbruno]

Originally Posted by lula

President Mariano Rajoy is now announcing it during and official press conference

the King should have announced the abdication himself first in an address to the nation before the prime minister spoke. That is what happened for example in the Netherlands when Queen Beatrix stepped down.

I can't say it was a surprise,There was a lot of pressure for JUan Carlos to abdicate as popular support for the Spanish Royal Family hit record lows. I wonder though how "voluntary" the abdication was.

Will Juan Carlos keep the style of King as Albert of Belgium ? Does Spanish law says anything about titles for former monarchs upon abdication ?

[Marika86]

Abdicación del rey:El Rey Juan Carlos Abdica

[Rossina]

Is there any special law or Act for abdication in Spain. What about king JC & queen Sofia's titles & future roles??

[Mbruno]

Originally Posted by Elektra

There will probably be an investiture ceremony at the Cortes for the new King Felipe VI, but not today.

I am watching the international channel of Spanish Television and they are saying the parliament must pass an organic law first for the abdication to have legal effect. That might take a few days.

[Avicenna]

Originally Posted by Katie

Plus, the magazine points out that there will be a cabinet meeting on Tuesday because a new law is needed for the abdication and for making Felipe the new King.

Initially I was surprised that the abdication was announced by the Head of government. Found it a bit thoughtless. Really, the King himself should have been the first to inform the public. But then I read in another German newspaper about the necessity to introduce a new law in order to allow the abdication.

Maybe some Spanish member of the Forum could provide more insight into the legal proceedings? Any additional information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot in advance.

[Josefine]

is it possible that he is sick and will not be able to prefprm his duties in the future and therefor he abdicates?

[lula]

In Spain there is no abdication law, the government must now make a law and determine how things are going to happen.

We currently do not know how it will be, how will be the process, what kind of ceremony or what the future role of the king and queen will be. Tomorrow the government meets, and we will know more.

[Lumutqueen]

Originally Posted by Josefine

is it possible that he is sick and will not be able to prefprm his duties in the future and therefor he abdicates?

He's abdicated because he realised how unpopular he is and Felipe and Letizia are needed.

It's certainly not a surprise, in fact I expected this one more than Beatrix.

It's interesting they announce today, 61 years since QEII was coronated, an odd coincidence :)

[Kit]

Well his health is certainly not the best and several newspapers already write that this is the main reason for his abdication.

[Bine221]

Originally Posted by Kit

So the rumours were true after all. Probably the best decision with all the problems surrounding the casa real. Long live the new King Felipe and his Queen Letizia!

Agree 100%´!!!!

I was surprised as welll... but I think, this is the best for the RF and a more modern and future oriented Spain!
Long live the new King and Queen!
BYe Bine

[Muhler]

I understand this calls for a change of the Spanish Constitution.

Does anyone know how the procedure is for such a change and how soon can the chane be in place?
Are we talking years or months?

[Marengo]

Wow, what a surprise! And a very wise decision!