Spain's King Juan Carlos I, left, announced Monday, June 2, that he would be handing over the throne to Crown Prince Felipe, center. Juan Carlos, 76, oversaw Spain's transition from dictatorship to democracy after the death of Francisco Franco in 1975.
Abdications through history —
Spain's King Juan Carlos I, left, announced Monday, June 2, that he would be handing over the throne to Crown Prince Felipe, center. Juan Carlos, 76, oversaw Spain's transition from dictatorship to democracy after the death of Francisco Franco in 1975.
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Beatrix of the Netherlands, center, greets the public on the balcony of Amsterdam's Royal Palace after her abdication in April 2013. She spent 33 years as the Dutch Queen before handing over power to son Willem-Alexander, left.
Abdications through history —
Beatrix of the Netherlands, center, greets the public on the balcony of Amsterdam's Royal Palace after her abdication in April 2013. She spent 33 years as the Dutch Queen before handing over power to son Willem-Alexander, left.
Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images
King Albert II of Belgium, right, abdicated the throne in July 2013. Taking his place was former Crown Prince Philippe, left.
Abdications through history —
King Albert II of Belgium, right, abdicated the throne in July 2013. Taking his place was former Crown Prince Philippe, left.
Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, left, greets his successor, Pope Francis, in December 2013. Earlier in the year, Benedict became the first pope to resign in nearly six centuries.
Abdications through history —
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, left, greets his successor, Pope Francis, in December 2013. Earlier in the year, Benedict became the first pope to resign in nearly six centuries.
L'Osservatore Romano/AP
Britain's King Edward VIII gave up the monarchy because he wanted to marry an American divorcee. He abdicated in 1936.
Abdications through history —
Britain's King Edward VIII gave up the monarchy because he wanted to marry an American divorcee. He abdicated in 1936.
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