I think the only time he was important was early on in the transition to democracy, when a colonel in the Guardia Civil (national police) attempted a coup and took over the lower house of congress. The coup plotters expected the new king to side with them and provide political cover, but he went on TV and pledged his support for the new government and democratic rule; the coup attempt fizzled out.

A few years ago he showed some sack by telling Hugo Chavez to shut up.