Spain’s scandal-tainted ex-king Juan Carlos has moved abroad to try to protect image of the monarchy, a fragile institution whose popularity is falling but which enjoys strong protection under the constitution.

With his Swiss bank accounts under investigation in Geneva and Madrid, the 82-year-old announced Monday he was leaving Spain to prevent his personal affairs from undermining his son King Felipe VI’s reign — a move many analysts said may not be enough to revive the monarchy’s fortunes.