Spanish King Juan Carlos signed the act of abdication, which officially ended almost four decades of his stay on the throne, to which Felipe VI ascends at midnight.
King Juan Carlos (76), who led Spain to democracy after the period of Franco's dictatorship in the 160s, but whose name has been tarnished in the last period and scandals, signed the act of abdication at a ceremony in the Royal Palace in Madrid, in front of XNUMX guests.
At exactly midnight local time, his son Felipe VI (46) will become king, when the act of abdication takes effect, the BBC reported.
Meanwhile, Madrid is busy preparing for tomorrow's coronation ceremony of Felipe VI: the streets are decorated with 16.000 flowers, most of the city center is in the red and yellow colors of the Spanish flag, which hang from the city hall, balconies, street lamps and 100.000 flags will be distributed to citizens .
About 7.000 police officers take care of security, reports AFP.
Felipe, who has a degree in diplomacy from Georgetown University in Washington, is popular among Spaniards and is not followed by scandals, like his father.
His wife, and from tomorrow also the Queen of Spain, is former TV presenter Letizia (41), with whom he has two daughters, seven-year-old Sofia and eight-year-old Leonor.
King Juan Carlos decided to abdicate for personal reasons, as his health deteriorated after several operations in previous years, Prime Minister Rajoy said.
Gallery
Bonus video:
