Photos:: King Juan Carlos of Spain to abdicate

Spain’s King Juan Carlos attends the official opening of parliament in December 2011. (Daniel Ochoa de Olza / Associated Press)

June 2, 2014 3:11 AM PT

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King Juan Carlos, 76, who led Spain through its transition to democracy in the 1970s, has decided to abdicate, with the throne going to his son, Crown Prince Felipe.

King Juan Carlos of Spain, Queen Sofia at royal wedding

Spanish King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia wave as they appear on the balcony of the royal palace after the wedding of their son, Crown Prince Felipe, in May 2004. (Ian Waldie / Getty Images)

King Juan Carlos and Gen. Francisco Franco

King Juan Carlos, left, is seen in 1969 next to Gen. Francisco Franco, then Spain’s head of state. (AFP/ Getty Images)

King Juan Carlos of Spain attends military ceremony

King Juan Carlos of Spain attends a May 16 ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of the opening of the Royal College of Artillery at the Alcazar de Segovia in Segovia, Spain. (Carlos Alvarez / Getty Images)

King Juan Carlos, Crown Prince Felipe in parliament

Spanish King Juan Carlos, right, and his son Crown Prince Felipe adjust their ties during a parliament session in Madrid in December 2011. (Pedro Armestre / AFP/ Getty Images)

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Photos:: King Juan Carlos of Spain to abdicate

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