Yesterday, on June 19, it was exactly ten years ago that King Felipe was proclaimed as the new King of Spain. Earlier this week, the Casa Real shared some dreamy photos of the monarch, and yesterday there were several events to put Felipe in the spotlight. His daughters Princesses Leonore and Sofía also contributed to this by surprising their father with a sweet speech.
10 years of kingship
After months of scandals, health problems and controversy, Felipe’s father, King Juan Carlos, announced on June 2, 2014 that he would abdicate. His son Felipe, the then Prince of Asturias, had to take over from him. Since then, Felipe has devoted himself wholeheartedly to the good cause, and above all: distanced himself as much as possible from the decadence, corruption, adultery and frivolities that so characterized his father at the end of his reign.
To put the Spanish king in the spotlight, a party was of course celebrated in the country. Yesterday there was a whole program in honor of his 10th anniversary and Felipe was addressed as Christmas on the cake by his two daughters, Leonore and Sofía.
Speech
After the military parade on the Patio de la Armería, which was followed by the royal family from the balcony, the group went inside for a well-deserved lunch. During lunch, the Princess of Asturias and her younger sister stepped forward to surprise their father with a speech. “Mom, Dad, Your Majesties… We’re sorry to invade, but we also have something to say,” Princess Leonor took the lead.
“Thank you for celebrating with us that during these ten years we have learned from our parents what the commitment to all Spaniards that we celebrate means. Now I would like to join you in toasting our parents, our king and queen. For since our birth we have been taught the value of this institution, the crown. Mom, Dad, thank you.” Videos show that father Felipe – as we can understand very well – just keeps his emotions under control when hearing these sweet words.
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Today
Today the king, together with his wife Letizia, opens an exhibition of 23 photos in the Royal Palace. The series summarizes the ten years in which he headed the Spanish government. Other festivities are spread over the rest of the year, and will last until June 2025. Felipe and Letizia will visit various cities in Spain. In short: one big party for the Spanish king’s jubilee!
Source: Blauw Bloed, Glamial archive | Image: NL Image
