Abdication of Juan Carlos I

Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, announced his pending abdication from the throne on 2 June 2014. It was made effective on 19 June, following the approval and subsequent publication in the Official State Gazette of Organic Law 3/2014. The organic law, which was required by the 1978 Constitution in its article 57.5, was approved by the Cortes Generales, sanctioned by the outgoing king himself, and endorsed by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, on 18 June in the Hall of Columns of the Royal Palace of Madrid. It became effective after its publication, at midnight (CEST) on the 19th, in the Official State Gazette.

The Prince of Asturias, Felipe de Borbón y Grecia, immediately succeeded to the throne under the name Felipe VI. Juan Carlos I retained the title of King Emeritus for life, with the ceremonial functions entrusted to him by the newly proclaimed king.