Safari lands king in trouble

Spain’s 74-year-old king came under scathing criticism yesterday for going on an expensive elephant hunting trip in Botswana’s northern Okavango region amid the nation’s deep financial woes.

Making matters worse, an accident on the trip sent King Juan Carlos into surgery. Doctors said yesterday that he was recovering well after a hip replacement but would not be able to resume full duties for more than a month.

His son, 44-year-old Prince Felipe, was nominated to fill in for his father, who Spain’s government relies on to patch up diplomatic disputes, boost international trade and serve as the country’s high-profile liaison.