Felipe VI becomes the new king of Spain

The 46-year-old monarch, Felipe VI, officially ascended the throne today.

The morning ceremony was held at the Palace of Zarzuela, witnessed under the tearful eyes of retiring King Juan Carlos, located on the outskirts of Madrid 9:30am local time.

Security was tight in the capital with more than 7,000 police and security deployed.

The Spanish people can foresee the traditional solemnity and dignity that is expected in this historical event, a day after King Juan Carlos abdicated in the presence of over 150 representatives, his last act as head of state after 39 years of reign.

The newly proclaimed King Felipe VI and his wife Queen Letizia, accompanied by their two daughters arrived at the Spanish Parliament with other members of the royal family an hour later, where King Felipe reiterated the Spanish constitution and gave a speech followed by the national anthem.

In the speech Felipe said he had great hope for the future of Spain and called for unity, as he reached out to the first generation Spaniards, who are traditionally indifferent to Spain’s monarchy.

“You will find in me a loyal head of state who is ready to listen and understand, warn and advise as well as to defend the public interest at all times. The monarch wants to be close to citizens… ensuring it can preserve its prestige and dignity. The king should not only be a reference but who serves all citizens of Spain.”

The family of four was then paraded around the streets of Madrid half an hour before midday, where they greeted the Spanish people, excluding the new King’s fatherto allow the spotlight to rest fully on the new monarch.

An exclusive reception and lunch was then held at the Royal Palace at 1pm.

Reception guests were served hot and cold tapas along with some sparkling cava wine from the Catalonia region of Spain, which was a humble oneby royal standards.The palace acknowledged that:“In a time when every expense is examined with a magnifying glass, the customary pomp had been eliminated in keeping with the criteria of austerity that the times recommend.”

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said: “I am sure that our new king Felipe VI will be a king for hope and harmony, a king for freedom and equality among Spaniards.”