Game of thrones
The Spanish king, Juan Carlos, announced that he is to abdicate in favour of his son, Prince Felipe. Is the Queen becoming unusual among Europe’s remaining monarchs in declining to abdicate with age?
Belgium: Philippe became king in 2013 following the abdication of his father, Albert II, at the age of 79.
Denmark: Queen Margrethe, 74, became queen after the death of her father, Frederik IX, in 1972.
Luxembourg: Grand Duke Henri ascended after his father, Grand Duke Jean, abdicated in 2000 aged 79.
Netherlands: Willem Alexander became king after the abdication of his mother, Queen Beatrix, in 2013 aged 75.
Norway: Harald V became king on the death of his father, Olav V, in 1991.
Sweden: Carl XVI Gustaf, aged 68, became King after the abdication of his grandfather, Gustaf VI Adolf, in 1973.
The biggest con
The National Crime Agency warned bank customers of a new computer virus.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in