Juan’s grandfather, Alfonso XIII had been forced to take exile in 1931, after decades of turbulence in the Spanish state. Juan was born in exile in Italy. After Alfonso’s death, the family moved to Lisbon, Portugal, in 1946. However, his father had requested he receive a Spanish education, and thus Juan started school in Madrid in 1947. Leaving school in 1954, Juan joined the Spanish military, graduating from its premier academies as a naval, army and air force officer. Returning to his studies at the Complutense University of Madrid, he read Political and International Law, Economics and Public Spending.
Handsome and eligible, he married Princess Sofia of Greece in Athens in 1962. They were to have three children - Elena in 1963, Cristina in 1965 and a son, Felipe, in 1968. In order to avoid civil war after his death, the dictator Franco called upon Juan to succeed him. Designated his successor in 1969, the young prince began to prepare for the role, and made official international visits. Franco died on November 20, 1975, and, two days after, Juan, now 37, was proclaimed king. In his first speech to the Spanish parliament, Juan Carlos laid out his desire to re-establish democracy and be "King of all Spaniards, without exception".
Juan’s rule was threatened on February 23 1981, when pro-Franco military officers staged an attempted coup, led by Colonel Tejero. Storming parliament, the rebels demanded a revoking of democratic rule. The King made a stern television appearance, demanding their return to barracks, a move with succeeded in defusing the situation. His rule secure through his effective command and leadership qualities, Juan has found time to pursue his love of outdoor pursuits. Intense speculation surrounds the details of Jaun Carlos’ succession, with many arguing that the King is waiting for his son Felipe to produce heirs before stepping down.
