This is a diplomatic scandal of the first magnitude. King Juan Carlos is the most prominent heir to a centuries-old tradition of European courtesy, and is so well-respected and correct in his manners that all who are familiar with this tradition will understand that only the most extreme impoliteness imaginable short of spitting in his face could possibly call for such a response.
Interesting. I had forgotten there are still those who hold to propriety. Nice to see the King say what was needed...
I expect the political fireworks will only start up this week in VZ with Chavez’s responses, and hopefuly will provide a forum for some more open criticism of him by Spain and others.
I do not believe Chavez is remotely capable of just letting this pass, he couldn’t even shut his mouth while Zapatero was talking.