Happy birthday! Juan Carlos turns 88 today

  • By Lori Macatee
  • Madrid
  • Last updated on

The iconic and legendary monarch turns 88 on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
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Former King of Spain Juan Carlos is celebrating his 88th birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed monarchs of his generation.

Popular monarch Juan Carlos has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 88th birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

Juan Carlos, a cultural icon

Born Juan Carlos de Borbón in Rome on January 5, 1938, his career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in Spanish history. Juan Carlos' not just a great monarch, he's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Juan Carlos hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Juan Carlos as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 88.

Happy Birthday, Juan Carlos, you're the best!

Juan Carlos career in pictures

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