KING Juan Carlos I – father of thent reigning monarch King Felipe IV – celebrates his 80th birthday today (Friday), but this age milestone has not stopped him continuing with his royal engagements or closely following politics.
Since abdicating in favour of his son, the then Prince Felipe of Asturias, in June 2014, the Rex Emeritus has joined the current King in 15 engagements, has presided over more than 60 of his own – in 20 of which, he was accompanied by his wife, Queen Sofía - and has made 19 overseas trips in the course of duty, around half of which were to Latin America.
In the last year, among tributes to him from Heads of State for his long career and his eight decades of life, King Juan Carlos was hailed in Latin America as 'the best ambassador' for Spain and the 'saviour of democracy', given his role in helping restore the vote and political peace to the Spanish people after the death of dictator General Franco.
The busy three-and-a-half years since Juan Carlos I's retirement have included attending swearing-in ceremonies of Central and South American presidents.
His present status in Spain had never existed in the country's history until 2014 – that of retaining the title of King, but without being the reigning monarch – and his reduced workload now he has handed the reins to his son means he has been able to take several exotic holidays and return to his old hobby of sailing, including taking part in yachting competitions.
This has been largely helped by the ex-King's closest friend José Cusí having bought a classic yacht which has won numerous regattas and which Juan Carlos I regularly sails in.
Juan Carlos I was crowned King of Spain on November 22, 1975, just two days after Franco's death.
He was 10 years old before he ever set foot on Spanish soil – although he is of long-running Spanish descent, Juan Carlos I was born in Rome in 1938 and moved with his parents to Switzerland aged three, was sent to boarding school in Friburg when he was eight – a time he was forced to grow up quickly due to his very strict education and huge responsibilities forced on him, as well as the traumatic death of his brother Alfonso in 1956 – but lived in Estoril, Portugal during the holidays until he was 10.
Juan Carlos I was earmarked by Franco in 1969 as his future successor, and was already father to three children – the Infantas Elena and Cristina and the now-ruling King Felipe – and married to Princess Sofía of Greece.
His friendship and excellent working relationship with the first president of the newly democratic Spain, the late Adolfo Suárez, was said to be what helped the transition to a free State to go through with relative ease.
