In 1973, Hugh Ellis-Rees resigned as Chair of the Anglo-Spanish Society, which had reached stability in the last decade. It was a good time for the Society, because political changes in Spain made the association's work easier. The end of Franco's rule created a “new climate” in relations between Spain and the UK. The Spanish transition to democracy was viewed favourably by the British public. The Spanish diplomatic service was also adapted to the new political system, and there were many changes. When the dictator died in 1975, the then Spanish Ambassador to the UK, Manuel Fraga Iribarne, returned to Madrid to assume responsibilities in the new government, and Manuel Gómez Acebo replaced him as temporary head of the Spanish Embassy. In 1976, an aristocrat, Luis Guillermo de Perinat, was appointed Spanish Ambassador to London in order to meet the challenge of Spanish diplomacy in the UK. In this context, the association continued to progress.

Before Franco's death, Peter Christopher Allen, an English writer and chemist, became Chairman of the Society. In 1952, he had married Consuelo Linares, who encouraged him to learn more about Spanish culture. His wife was also a member of the Executive Committee of the association and participated in several British-Spanish projects. In 1978, King Juan Carlos I awarded Linares Rivas with “El Lazo de Dama de la Orden de Isabel la Católica” for her contribution to the promotion of friendship between both countries. This award was also granted to other Spaniards who lived in London, such as Mabel Marañón and Blanca Tomé de Lago.

The Anglo-Spanish Society shared the process of transformation which Spain experienced following the death of Franco. A few veteran members resigned from their positions to give way to a new generation. In 1977, Nan Baxter, who had been Honorary Secretary of the association since 1956, resigned and Jean Clough replaced her. All members organised an event to pay homage to Baxter, who had worked for the Society for almost two decades. Without doubt she was a key driver of the Society's success during the 1950s and 1960s.