70th Birthday for King Juan Carlos of Spain

Today, King Juan Carlos of Spain celebrated his 70th milestone. The monarch will be feted with a lavish dinner on Wednesday. What could be considered as an annus horribilis for the Spanish royal family last year, Juan Carlos ended 2007 on a positive note by boosting the morale of Spanish troops serving in Afghanistan.

Juan Carlos was born on January 5, 1938 in Rome. He married Princess Sofia of Greece on May 14, 1962. He and Sofia have three children: Infanta Elena, Infanta Cristina and Prince Felipe. Their offspring have produced eight grandchildren: Felipe Juan Froilan, Juan Valentín, Victoria Federica, Pablo Nicolás, Miguel, Irene, Infanta Leonor and Infanta Sofía.

He ascended the throne on November 22, 1975. Since his enthronement, the king has proven vital to the restoration of democracy in Spain. The country is ruled by a parliamentary monarchy. Through his patronage influence, Juan Carlos has promoted “initiatives in the areas of economics, business, research and social advances” and has encouraged “solidarity at all levels of society in Spain.”

For his leisure, the king delights in sailing and skiing.

Photo: Casa de Su Majestad el Rey/DVirgili