Sultan Muhammad V, Malaysia’s first king to abdicate since Independence, and 4 more monarchs who hung up the old crown and sceptre
From Sultan Muhammad V to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, here’s a look at kings and queens from around the world who abdicated for various reasons
Emperor Akihito will be the first Japanese emperor to abdicate in over 200 years.
The formal date for the abdication is expected to be April 30, 2019, and will mark the end of the Heisei period. Crown Prince Naruhito will become Japan’s next emperor on May 1 – the first Japanese emperor to be born after World War II.
On the other side of the globe, the UK’s Queen Elizabeth still hasn’t given up the reins to her 70-year-old son, Prince Charles.
So, who quits one of the most powerful jobs in the world, and why? Is it because of scandal or selflessness? Benevolence or a beauty queen?
Here’s who joins Emperor Akihito in this century of “royal quitters”.
1. King Juan Carlos of Spain
When? June 18, 2014
Why? The 76-year-old monarch wanted his son, Prince Felipe, while he was still in his prime, to become king.