Spain's king Juan Carlos, with 32 years on the throne, turns 70 Saturday.
But after years of undeniable adulation among Spaniards for putting down an attempted coup in 1981, he's recently faced more difficult times.
Small groups of leftists have burned his photo, and fiery critism has also come from the right with one leading conservative radio host calling for him to step down.
Juan Carlos fired back with a rare public defense of his resign in a recent speech.
" It's been the longest period of stability and prosperity in Spain ever in a parliamentary monarchy," the king said.
