Felipe VI is officially the new king of Spain

Felipe VI of Spain has been formally proclaimed the new king after his father, Juan Carlos, officially abdicated earlier today.

The new king, surrounded by his family, swore an oath, claiming his respect for the Parliament and the people of Spain, and expressed his emotions upon becoming the new king of the nation he loves and admires.

After thanking his parents for the service brought to the country, including the return to democracy after dictator Francisco Franco’s death in 1975, the new king vowed to keep the country unified and represent the nation’s interests.

King Felipe remembered the hardships Spain has faced in the last years but also looks forward ‘to the Spain we are building together as I begin this reign.’

The people of Spain regard King Felipe as being, so far, untouched by any corruption scandal, which cannot be said about his father, the former king, who was accused of indulging himself in riches while the country was suffering in the times of the global economic crisis.

Felipe’s wife, Queen Letizia, is the first member of the royal family without 'blue blood'. Before King Felipe married her, she was a TV presenter.

Spaniards now wish that King Felipe will make affairs within the royal palace more transparent as many complain about the high public costs of the monarchy.