The Spanish cabinet is to discuss the next steps in the process of King Juan Carlos's abdication and the accession of his son, Crown Prince Felipe.

The king announced on Monday his intention to abdicate after nearly 40 years on the throne.

Ministers will discuss the steps needed to approve Crown Prince Felipe's accession to the throne.

Juan Carlos was seen as popular for much of his reign, but recently many Spaniards have lost confidence in him.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the cabinet meeting would aim at carrying out the "constitutional measures" needed to clear the way for the succession.

The Spanish constitution does not have a precise law regulating abdication and royal succession, and ministers will discuss the special legislation that will be necessary for the process.

The two main parties in parliament remain loyal to the monarchy.

Prince Felipe will become King Felipe VI and will inherit an institution whose reputation has been tarnished by scandals in recent years.