King Juan Carlos of Spain is making a satisfactory recovery from the hip operation which he underwent on Saturday morning, hospital head said on Sunday.

"His evolution overnight has been positive and he has been able to rest without painkillers," said the Director of the San Jose Hospital Javier de Joz.

Juan Carlos was able to "bend his hip 90 degrees and is also able to walk with total independence with the help of crutches," said de Joz.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy visited the King at hospital, where he will stay for a further four or five days.

"I thought he looked very well and looking forward to recovering and being able to return to his activities as soon as possible," commented Rajoy on leaving the hospital.