Spain's King Juan Carlos attends last parade before abdicating in favor of his son

6/8/2014

Protestors march as they wave Republican flags during a demonstration against the Spanish Monarchy and demanding a referendum in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, June 7, 2014. King Juan Carlos plans to abdicate and pave the way for his son, Crown Prince Felipe, to become the country's next king. The 76-year-old Juan Carlos oversaw his country's transition from dictatorship to democracy but has had repeated health problems in recent years, and his popularity dipped following royal scandals. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

MADRID — Spain’s King Juan Carlos has presided over his last military parade before abdicating in favor of his son.

Prince Felipe accompanied the king at Sunday’s annual Armed Forces day ceremony that honors those who died in the service of the nation.

Also Sunday, a new poll showed most citizens want a referendum to decide whether Spain should remain a monarchy.

Pollster Metroscopia found that 62 percent of respondents said they wanted a referendum on the monarchy “at some point.” A majority also said they favored the king’s abdication.

The poll was published today in El Mundo newspaper.

The prince is due to be proclaimed King Felipe VI on June 19.