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Spain's ex-king 'is in the Caribbean' - media reports

Spain's former king Juan Carlos has gone to the Dominican Republic after abruptly leaving his home country under a cloud of scandal.

That's according to several Spanish newspapers on Tuesday (August 4), though one placed him in Portugal.

The royal palace announced on Monday (August 3) that Juan Carlos, who abdicated in 2014 over a previous scandal, was leaving so that his personal affairs wouldn't overshadow his son King Felipe's reign.

The palace did not say where the 82-year-old went, triggering intense speculation about his whereabouts.

Pressure had been building on Juan Carlos and Felipe to take action to protect the monarchy, after Spanish and Swiss prosecutors started examining allegations of bribes relating to a high-speed rail contract.

On Tuesday (August 4) afternoon Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he respected the royal palace's decision to support the former king leaving the country.

Juan Carlos' lawyer said on Monday (August 3) the ex-king was, quote, "at the disposal" of prosecutors. Neither the lawyer nor the Royal House have commented on whether Juan Carlos has left Spain or where he is.

Via his lawyer, the ex-king has repeatedly declined to comment on the corruption allegations.