The King said Crown Prince Felipe , a former Olympic yachtsman , has `` the maturity , the preparation , and the sense of responsibility necessary '' to serve as king and `` to lead to a new stage of hope using his experience and the drive of a new generation . '' Spain 's King Juan Carlos I ascended throne after nearly 40 years . King 's only son Carlos , a former Olympic yachtsman , to be sworn in within days . Georgetown - educated Crown Prince married former CNN+ anchor Letizia Ortiz in 2004 . Spain 's monarchy dogged by allegations of corruption and fraud in recent years .
Spain 's King Juan Carlos I ascended throne after nearly 40 years . King 's only son Carlos , a former Olympic yachtsman , to be sworn in within days . Georgetown - educated Crown Prince married former CNN+ anchor Letizia Ortiz in 2004 . Spain 's monarchy dogged by allegations of corruption and fraud in recent years .