Felipe VI of Spain

Felipe VI, also formally known as Philip VI, is the reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Spain. Born on January 30, 1968, in Madrid, his full and ceremonial name is Felipe Juan Pablo Alfonso de Todos los Santos de Borbón y Grecia. As a distinguished member of the House of Bourbon, a historically prominent European royal dynasty with deep roots in France, his lineage is integral to the Spanish monarchy. The inclusion of 'Borbón' signifies his paternal heritage, while 'Grecia' honours his mother, Queen Sofía, who was born a Princess of Greece and Denmark, linking the Spanish Crown to other European royal houses. Who is the current King of Spain? Felipe VI (or Philip VI) is the reigning monarch of Spain.

Accession to the Throne and Royal Family

King Felipe VI ascended to the Spanish throne on June 19, 2014, following the historic abdication of his father, King Juan Carlos I. This pivotal transition, which occurred after King Juan Carlos I's 39-year reign (1975-2014), marked a significant moment of generational renewal for the Spanish monarchy. The change was widely viewed as a strategic move to reinforce the institution's contemporary relevance and stability within Spain's modern democratic framework. When did Felipe VI become King? He ascended the throne on June 19, 2014, upon his father's abdication.

His mother is Queen Sofía, and he has two elder sisters: Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo, and Infanta Cristina. Under the current Spanish Constitution, the succession to the Crown follows the principle of male-preference primogeniture, where male heirs take precedence over female heirs of the same degree of kinship in the line of succession.

Marriage and Heir Apparent

On May 22, 2004, King Felipe VI married Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano in a landmark royal wedding. This union was particularly significant because Letizia became the first Spanish queen consort in modern history to have been born a commoner, without noble or royal ancestry, signifying a modernization of the royal family. Together, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia have two daughters:

• Leonor, Princess of Asturias: Born on October 31, 2005, she currently holds the position of heir presumptive to the Spanish throne. This means she is next in line to succeed her father unless a male heir is born, who would, under the current succession law, precede her. She actively prepares for her future role, undertaking official duties and engagements.
• Sofía, Infanta of Spain: Born on April 29, 2007, she is second in the line of succession, following her elder sister, Leonor.

Who is the heir to the Spanish throne? His elder daughter, Leonor, Princess of Asturias, is the current heir presumptive. Did King Felipe VI marry a commoner? Yes, he married Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, a former television news journalist, in 2004.

Constitutional Powers and International Representation

In accordance with the 1978 Spanish Constitution, King Felipe VI's role as monarch is multifaceted, primarily functioning as the Head of State within a parliamentary monarchy. In this system, the King "reigns, but does not govern," meaning his power is symbolic and representative, rather than executive. What are the main roles of the King of Spain? As per the Spanish Constitution, he is the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the supreme representative of Spain in international relations.

• Head of State: As the Head of State, King Felipe VI embodies the unity and permanence of the Spanish nation. He serves as an arbiter and moderator, ensuring the regular and smooth functioning of the country's institutional framework. While his actions typically require countersignature by the Prime Minister or other government ministers, this mechanism underscores the democratic accountability of the state.
• Commander-in-Chief of the Spanish Armed Forces: The King holds the supreme command of the Spanish Armed Forces, distinguished by the military rank of Captain General. This is an honorary title that reflects his historical connection and ceremonial leadership role over the military, rather than direct operational command in contemporary Spain.
• Supreme Representation of Spain in International Relations: King Felipe VI plays a crucial role in advancing Spain's interests on the global stage. He performs diplomatic functions such as undertaking official state visits to foreign countries, hosting visiting heads of state and government, signing international treaties (after their ratification by the Cortes Generales), and accrediting Spanish ambassadors abroad. Through these activities, he acts as the highest representative of Spain, promoting its image, culture, and foreign policy objectives worldwide.