King of Spain’s surgery fuels abdication talk

The 75-year-old monarch has reigned in Spain since the fall of Franco

Having undergone hip surgery this week, rumours that King Juan Carlos of Spain is set to abdicate have circulated, with the palace forced to issue a statement saying that he will not vacate the throne.

King Carlos, 75, has had his fifth operation in 18 months following a fall. His declining health has fuelled speculation that he is set to step aside and allow his son, Felipe, to take the crown.

Such a move has sparked intense debate in Spain, with commentators keen to seize upon the uncertainty to open a wider discourse about the future – and current relevance – of Spain’s monarchy…

The Royal family’s image has been tarnished in recent years, beginning with the King’s ill-advised hunting trip (where he was photographed in front of dead elephant while brandishing a rifle) and culminating last year with corruption allegations levelled at the King’s son-in-law, Inaki Urdangarin.

Husband of King Carlos’s youngest daughter, Cristina, Urdangarin has been accused of embezzling millions of euros of public money that had been earmarked for investment in sporting events.

Earlier this week, King Carlos told reporters that he was ‘well’ as he arrived at a private Madrid hospital, where he was treated for an infection on his prosthetic hip that was fitted a few years ago.

Critics were quick to deride the King for opting for a private hospital, with Cayo Lara, leader of the United Left party, remarking that he missed a great opportunity to set an example to the Spanish people by backing the public health care system – which has faced deep spending cuts – and choosing for a public hospital.

He will be forced to lay low for the next two months, missing a number of important Royal appointments, including a summit meeting with Latin American leaders led by Spain’s Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy.

By keeping such a low profile, King Carlos will only add fuel to the fire in the debate surrounding his future, with a poll taken earlier this year showing that 50 per cent of Spaniards think the King should abdicate in favour of his son.