WWF ousts Spanish king as honorary president over Botswana hunting trip

(CNN) -- The conservation group World Wildlife Fund ousted Spain's King Juan Carlos its honorary president after his Botswana hunting trip sparked an outcry its extravagance during an economic .

The king's private visit came to this year when he was rushed back to Madrid to undergo hip surgery after falling the trip.

A firestorm ensued, forcing the 74-year-old king apologize in April.

"I am very sorry. I a mistake and it won't happen again," the king said Spanish state television as he left the hospital.

The Spanish chapter of the WWF voted Saturday abolish the honorary post, which the king has since 1968.

"Although not illegal, the hunting was widely viewed as incompatible the King's position at the head of WWF-Spain," the group said a statement.

There was immediate response from the royal palace.

Spaniards hold the king in regard for his service to the nation and his defense of democracy the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

The criticism the trip initially focused the expensive safari amid the nation's 23% unemployment rate and austerity measures to make for budget shortfalls. Some critics also wondered how public money was spent for security during the king's private .

As the economic crisis unraveling, the king expressed concern over the impact Spaniards and urged them to come together to through the tough times.

The royal household has a budget 8.26 million euros ($10.8 million) this year -- 2% less last year -- and has announced cuts salaries of some of its staffers.

The safari was the latest a series of scandals for the royal family this year.

April, the king's 13-year-old grandson shot himself the foot with a shotgun during target practice his father. The legal in Spain to handle firearms, even when accompanied by adult, is 14.

And the king's son-in-, Inaki Urdangarin is a suspect in a financial fraud scandal in public funds earmarked for his foundation allegedly were diverted private use. He denies the charges.


Adapted from: CNN, July 22, 2012.