King Juan Carlos of Spain undergoes operation successfully.

King Juan Carlos has had an operation on his spine.

This is the twelfth operation the King has undergone in his life. This latest one lasted around three hours and according to his neuro-surgeon went extremely well.

He will remain in hospital for a week and will need between two and six months to recuperate.

The King is now 75 but has no plans to abdicate in favour of his son, Prince Felipe, despite recent calls by some politicians.