Juan Carlos I of Spain

Reign: 1975 – 2014
Life: b. 1938

In Spain, since his abdication, Juan Carlos has usually been referred to as the rey emérito ('king emeritus') by the press. Juan Carlos is the son of Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona, and grandson of Alfonso XIII, the last king of Spain before the abolition of the monarchy in 1931 and the subsequent declaration of the Second Spanish Republic. Juan Carlos was born in Rome, Italy, during his family's exile. General Francisco Franco took over the government of Spain after his victory in the Spanish Civil War in 1939, yet in 1947 Spain's status as a monarchy was affirmed and a law was passed allowing Franco to choose his successor.

During Juan Carlos I of Spain's reign, Beatrix of the Netherlands ruled Netherlands, Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden ruled Sweden, and Elizabeth II ruled Great Britain.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Imperial Spain, 1469–1716 by J. H. Elliott

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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From the library

Go deeper on Juan Carlos I of Spain

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