Spain has sworn in a new King Felipe IV in a simple ceremony on Thursday. The ceremony was held sans pomp and glamour in the country's capital on Thursday. The simple ceremony was attended by The King's immediate family and some of the country's top politicians.
King Juan Carlos announced his abdication on June 2 in favour of his son in an attempt to turn over a new leaf for the country and revive the monarchy which has been facing major criticism in recent years including a corruption scandal involving the Infanta Cristina.
King Juan Carlos, now 76 is hoping that the youth and popularity of his son, new King Felipe VI and his glamorous wife, Queen Letizia will help unite the country once again and lead them forward to a better economic future.
In his oath which he delivered at the hemicycle at the Parliament, King Felipe said as much as well by saying that he aims for a diverse but unified Spain. King Felipe wore a military uniform and his father, King Juan Carlos fastened a red sash around his waist symbolising that he is now the Spanish Captain General while Queen Letizia wore an elegant long-sleeved, knee-length ivory dress.
The couple have two children, Infanta Leonor who now assumes the title of Princess of Asturias, now the youngest direct heir to a European Crown. She is eight years old and her sister Pincess Sophia is a year younger.
The Royal family paraded through the streets of central Madrid in a black, open-top Rolls Royce from the Congress of Deputies after the swearing-in ceremony and headed to the Royal Palace which is just across the Almudena Cathedral where the couple were married ten years ago. A large crowd gathered at the Plaza Oriente fronting the Royal Palace waving flags and cheering as the Royal party passed and eventually made an appearance at the palace balcony.
The Royal couple shared a kiss on the balcony reminiscent of a Royal wedding which elicited cheers from the onlooking crowd of supporters.
The new era of the Spanish monarchy is facing a steep climb to recovery from a recent economic blow and employment issues as well as separatist issues coming from the Catalan region. These issues remain under the surface as a joyful and optimistic crowd welcomed the new King and his family to the throne.
Spain's new King Felipe VI, his wife Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor stand on the stairs leading to the Puerta de los Leones to oversee a military parade in Madrid, June 19, 2014. Spain's new king, Felipe VI, was sworn in on Thursday in a low-key ceremony which monarchists hope will usher in a new era of popularity for the troubled royal household. REUTERSThe crown is seen inside the hemicycle during the swearing-in ceremony for Spain's new King Felipe VI at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, June 19, 2014. Spain's new king, Felipe VI, was sworn in on Thursday in a low-key ceremony which monarchists hope will usher in a new era of popularity for the troubled royal household. REUTERSSpain's new King Felipe VI and his wife Queen Letizia parade through the streets of Madrid from the Congress of Deputies to the Royal Palace, June 19, 2014. Spain's new king, Felipe VI, was sworn in on Thursday in a low-key ceremony which monarchists hope will usher in a new era of popularity for the troubled royal household. REUTERSSpain's new King Felipe VI (R) is sworn in by Parliament Chairman Jesus Posada (L) and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (C) at a ceremony at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, June 19, 2014. Spain's new king, Felipe VI, was sworn in on Thursday in a low-key ceremony which monarchists hope will usher in a new era of popularity for the troubled royal household. REUTERSSpain's new King Felipe VI applauds during the swearing-in ceremony at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, June 19, 2014. Spain's new king, Felipe VI, was sworn in on Thursday in a low-key ceremony which monarchists hope will usher in a new era of popularity for the troubled royal household. REUTERSSpain's new King Felipe VI, his wife Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and King Juan Carlos appear on the balcony of the Royal Palace in Madrid, June 19, 2014. Spain's new king, Felipe VI, was sworn in on Thursday in a low-key ceremony which monarchists hope will usher in a new era of popularity for the troubled royal household. REUTERSGeneral view of the hemicycle of the Parliament as Spain's new King Felipe VI is applauded after he delivered his speech during the swearing-in ceremony at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, June 19, 2014. Spain's new king, Felipe VI, was sworn in on Thursday in a low-key ceremony which monarchists hope will usher in a new era of popularity for the troubled royal household. REUTERSSpanish well-wishers cheer as they wait for new King Felipe VI appearance on the balcony of the Royal Palace in Madrid, June 19, 2014. Spain's new king, Felipe VI, was sworn in on Thursday in a low-key ceremony which monarchists hope will usher in a new era of popularity for the troubled royal household. REUTERSSpain's new King Felipe VI waves to the crowd as he parades through the streets of Madrid from the Congress of Deputies to the Royal Palace in Madrid, June 19, 2014. Spain's new king, Felipe VI, was sworn in on Thursday in a low-key ceremony which monarchists hope will usher in a new era of popularity for the troubled royal household. REUTERSSpain's King Juan Carlos (R) and new King Felipe VI embrace after the placing of the Sash of Captain-General during a ceremony at La Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, June 19, 2014. Spain's new king, Felipe VI, was sworn in on Thursday in a low-key ceremony which monarchists hope will usher in a new era of popularity for the troubled royal household. REUTERS
