Spain’s monarchy is one of the oldest in Europe, with roots stretching back over a thousand years. It helped unite Spain in the 15th century under Ferdinand and Isabella, launching a global empire that spanned the Americas. But Spain’s crown has not ruled continuously. The monarchy was abolished, restored, and abolished again during civil war and dictatorship. In 1975, after the death of dictator Francisco Franco, King Juan Carlos I restored democracy and transformed Spain into a constitutional