Monarchs are ananchronisms but also have their place

The just-announced abdication of Juan Carlos of Spain is reigniting the question of the role of kings in that modern constitutional monarchy and around the world. (read more)

Andres Kudacki/The Associated Press

King Juan Carlos salutes during a ceremony in Spain last week. His prestige stopped a military coup in the 1980s. Now he’s stepping down and Prince Felipe will assume the throne.