Here is a screenshot of this morning’s royal Spanish website (which has subsequently been changed):

After 39 years on the throne, King Juan Carlos I of Spain has informed Mariano Rajoy, the country’s Prime Minister, that he is to step down in favour of his 46 year-old son, Crown Prince Felipe, “for personal reasons”.

Once one of the world’s most popular monarchs, Juan Carlos has been plagued recently not only with ill-health, but with a series of personal scandals which has sent his popularity amongst Spaniards, plummeting.

An amendment to the Spanish Constitution will now be rushed through parliament to permit the king to abdicate.