Spanish
news media speculated about the King's future in early 2014, following public criticism over his taking an elephant hunting safari in Botswana and an embezzlement scandal involving his daughter Cristina, and her husband
Iñaki Urdangarin. The King's chief of staff denied in a briefing that the "
abdication option" was being considered.
[62] On the morning of 2 June 2014, Prime Minister
Mariano Rajoy made a televised announcement that the King had told him of his intention to abdicate. Later, the King delivered a televised address and announced that he would abdicate the throne in favour of the Prince of Asturias.
[63] Royal officials described the King's choice as a personal decision which he had been contemplating since his 76th birthday at the start of the year.