Spanish King Juan Carlos speaks during his traditional Christmas message at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid Dec 24, 2013. Almost two thirds of Spaniards want their king to abdicate and hand the crown to his son, according to a poll released on Sunday. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
MADRID (REUTERS) - Almost two thirds of Spaniards want their king to abdicate and hand the crown to his son, according to a poll released on Sunday, the monarch's birthday, that also showed his popularity slumping to a record low.
King Juan Carlos, who has been on the throne for 38 years, was once one of the world's best-loved sovereigns, respected for his common touch and for helping guide Spain to democracy in the 1970s after the death of dictator Francisco Franco.
But Spaniards have become increasingly frustrated by a long-running corruption investigation into the king's daughter, Princess Cristina, and her husband Inaki Urdangarin - particularly at a time of economic crisis and widespread unemployment.
Urdangarin has been charged with embezzling 6 million euros (S$ 10 million) in public funds, though both deny any wrong-doing.
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