Felipe VI has been sworn in as Spain's new king. This was part of ceremonies marking the royal handover, which were kept low key out of respect for the many Spaniards suffering under economic hardship.
Image: Reuters
Advertisement
King Felipe VI, who legally ascended to the throne at midnight, was sworn in during a ceremony in Spain's parliament on Thursday. This was part of low-key ceremonies marking the royal handover, as Spain got its first new king in four decades. The ceremony was attended by lawmakers, high-level politicians and some members of the royal family. No foreign leaders were invited.
Earlier on Thursday, the outgoing King Juan Carlos, handed the 46-year-old Felipe the red sash of Captain General of the Armed Forces.
The new king took office just hours after his father had signed legislation that set out the legal framework for his abdication and replacement by his son.
The 76-year-old King Juan Carlos had announced his decision to step down on June 2. He said he was stepping aside because Spain needed the energy of his 46-year-old son to rally the country, which has long been mired in economic depression.
Drop in popularity
Juan Carlos had been on the Spanish throne since 1975 and was long held in high esteem as he helped the country make the transition to democracy following the death of dictator General Francisco Franco.
However, in recent years, King Juan Carlos saw his popularity drop amid a series of scandals involving some members of the royal family. Earlier this year, his youngest daughter, Princess Cristina, had to appear in court to testify in a fraud and money-laundering case involving her husband.
In 2012 the king himself faced widespread criticism after a photograph of him was published showing him standing in front of an elephant he had shot while on safari in Botswana.
European royalty - handing over the reins
Spain's Juan Carlos has abdicated to make way for his son, Felipe, just as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands handed the reins to her son last year. Other heirs are waiting in the wings around Europe.
Image: picture-alliance/AP
Mission accomplished
Dutch King Willem-Alexander (left) has already achieved what other heirs to the throne are still waiting for: the reins of their reign. His mother Beatrix (right) abdicated in April 2013, as her mother, Juliana, did in 1980 to make way for her.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
A new start in Spain
Now it's up to Crown Prince Felipe. King Juan Carlos will no longer be head of state, perhaps in part to enable Spain's monarchy to reform. Juan Carlos' image was damaged significantly by an elephant hunting scandal in Botswana and several affairs. The 76-year-old's health is also declining.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
Heir apparent
Albert II of Monaco has ruled the small principality since 2005. He was 47 when he succeeded his father, Rainier III, to lead the city-state of less than a square mile (two square kilometers) on France's eastern coast. Now that his wife Charlene is pregnant, succession seems secure. The baby is due at the end of the year.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
Small but happy
Prince Guillaume has been on cloud nine since his marriage to Stephanie in 2012. But it's not clear when the Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg will succeed his father Henri, who's headed the tiny state since 2000, after his own father, Jean, abdicated.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
The unity king
True to Benelux tradition, monarchs tend to abdicate to make way for a new generation. Hence, Belgium's King Philippe did not have to wait for his father, Albert II, to die before taking over the reins. Albert II abdicated in 2013, and King Philippe's main task is to try to secure a united Belgium in politically turbulent times.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
Swedish sunshine
Crown Princess Victoria has long been a favorite among her fellow Swedes, not just since marrying Daniel (left) and having her daughter, Estelle. The popularity of her father, King Carl XVI Gustaf, has been damaged by scandals, which is why many Swedes would prefer to see Victoria on the throne.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
Danish fairy tale
Seen together, the family made up of Crown Prince Fredrik, his wife Mary and their four children is picture perfect. All that's missing is that crown. But although his 74-year-old mother, Margaret of Denmark, smokes heavily, she shows no signs of abdicating.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
Modern Norway
In 2004, Prince Haakon temporarily took the reins when his father, King Harald, fell ill. But it's not clear when exactly the 42-year-old will take over for good. He and his wife Mette-Marit already represent a modern Norway, however: Mette-Marit already had a son, Marius, when she married Haakon.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
The constant prince
Whether Prince Charles, the longest-serving Prince of Wales and oldest male heir in history, will ever be king, not even his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, really knows. Abdication is unlikely in the United Kingdom. Should Elizabeth II die, Charles would succeed her, but he could also abdicate in favor of his eldest son, Prince William, whom many Britons would prefer as the next king.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
Chink in the royal armor
Although Europe's royal households exude the kind of glamor that many people love to hear and read about, there are constant protests against the monarchy. Many demonstrators, like those pictured here in Madrid, consider the concept dated and undemocratic.
