Spain’s new King Felipe paid tribute to his parents yesterday (19.06.14).
The 46-year-old royal took the throne following the abdication of his father King Juan Carlos and hailed the former monarch’s "exceptional reign" in a speech after his swearing-in ceremony.
He said: "I wish to pay a tribute of gratitude to and respect for my father, King Juan Carlos I.
"From today, an exceptional reign becomes part of our history, one that has left an extraordinary political legacy. Almost 40 years ago, from this same rostrum, my father stated that he intended to be King for all the Spanish people. And this he has been…
"Today we render to the person of King Juan Carlos the appreciation he deserves, from a generation of citizens who paved the way for democracy, for understanding among Spaniards and for their coexistence in a climate of freedom.
"That generation, under his leadership and with the very prominent contribution of the Spanish people, laid the foundations of a political construct that overcame apparently insurmountable differences, achieved reconciliation among Spaniards, acknowledged the plural nature of Spain and restored our nation to its place in the world."
Felipe then went on to thank his mother Queen Sofia for her "dedication and loyalty".
He added: "Honourable Members, let me also thank my mother, Queen Sofía, for her impeccable, lifetime’s work on behalf of the Spanish people. Her dedication and loyalty to King Juan Carlos, her dignity and her sense of responsibility are exemplary and merit the heartfelt tribute of gratitude that, as her son and as King, I extend to her today."
The new king expressed his hope that his parents will be able to "devote" themselves to their country for many years to come.
He said: "Together, for over 50 years, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía have devoted themselves to Spain. I trust that for many more years we shall continue to enjoy their support, their experience and their affection."
King Felipe pays tribute to parents
