MADRID (AP) Spain' King Juan Carlos has been admitted to a Madrid hospital to undergo the second part of an operation on his hip, his sixth surgery in less than two years.
The surgery Thursday has been planned since the 75-year-old monarch had a hip prosthesis removed Sept. 24 after it developed an infection.
The latest health problem triggered speculation the king might abdicate in favor of his son, Crown Prince Felipe, but that was ruled out by the palace.
The monarch's popularity has dipped in recent years following scandals, including an elephant shooting trip in the middle of Spain's financial crisis, that tarnished the royal family's image.
His son-in-law, Inaki Urdangarin is also under investigation on suspicion of having embezzled large sums in public contracts.
