MPs in Spain are today debating a bill to formalise the abdication of King Juan Carlos.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has said an overwhelming majority of politicians, from both the People’s Party and Socialists, are expected to back the bill.

Although the vote focuses purely on the formalities of the abdication, for some it’s raising broader questions about Spain’s constitutional future.

The abdication of Juan Carlos has provoked calls for a referendum on the monarchy.

His son Prince Felipe is taking the reins at a tricky time. He is due to be proclaimed king a matter of months before Catalonia plans to vote on independence, despite it not being permitted by the Spanish constitution.