Spain’s King Juan Carlos wanted to abdicate because he didn’t want his son "withering" like Britain’s Prince Charles waiting to take the throne.
The 76-year-old monarch, who announced last week that it was time for a "younger generation to step into the front line", reportedly told courtiers that he wanted to abdicate because he didn’t want to see his son, Prince Felipe, "grow old waiting for the throne like Prince Charles".
Charles, 65, is the oldest heir to the British throne for 300 years, with his mother Queen Elizabeth now 88.
Juan is believed to have been considering stepping down since his 75th birthday because he wanted his son to be in charge when he was still a young man.
He reportedly spoke to Rafael Spottorno, chief of the royal household, and said: "I do not want my son to wither like Prince Charles," according to Spain’s El Mundo newspaper.
The Zarzuela Palace refused to confirm or deny the statement and a Clarence House spokseman "declined to comment" on the reports.
Meanwhile, John Prescott, the former Deputy Prime Minister, has called for the Queen to "gracefully step aside" and allow Prince Charles to deliver next year’s address to Parliament.
King Juan: I don’t want my son to be like Charles
