Spain's King Juan Carlos apologizes, says 'it won't happen again'

Spain's king says he is sorry for having gone on an African elephant-hunting trip during one of his country's worst ever economic crises.

In an unprecedented gesture, the 74-year-old monarch said he was "very sorry. I made a mistake. It won't happen again."

Juan Carlos came under scathing criticism this week after he went on a safari trip to Botswana as Spain writhes in economic crisis.

The trip came to light when the king ended up having to be taken to hospital for hip treatment after having fallen.

The monarch made the apology before leaving hospital in Madrid on Wednesday.