King Juan Carlos is being supported by his family as he recovers from successful surgery on his spine. The Spanish royals, including Crown Prince Felipe and his wife Crown Princess Letizia, have all rallied around the monarch's hospital bedside as he recuperates at the Milagrosa hospital in Madrid.The king, 75, underwent a three hour-long operation on Sunday for herniated discs in his lower back. The palace announced the surgery had "proved entirely satisfactory".
First to visit was his son Felipe and daughter-in-law Letizia. The couple were pictured leaving the hospital after spending time with Juan Carlos, their smiles giving a clear indication of just how well the royal patient is recovering.Shortly afterwards, the monarch's wife of more than fifty years, Queen Sofia, arrived with their two daughters, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina. The royal party waved to photographers as they made their way inside.
The king is expected to spend at least a week in hospital before he is released to continue his recovery at Zarzuela Palace. Juan Carlos has undergone seven operations, for an assortment of health problems, in the past three years. "Once again, once again," he said as he arrived for the surgery, smiling and waving to reporters through the open window of a dark SUV.