Military law and the the overthrow of democracy in an attempted army coup was thwarted by Spain's King Juan Carlos in its early post Franco days in the 1980's, and Spain blossomed as it became acceptable to take a holiday there. But the royal family aren't as popular as they once were - could Juan Carlos be the last Spanish monarch?

Private banks, sophistication and the glamour of Monte Carlo is known the world over, with some of the best hotels, the casino, Grand Prix and celebrities tripping over each other. But as Prince Albert of Monaco turns 50, he is becoming increasingly known more for his stand on the environment than as a celebrity royal.