Madrid (CNN) – Flanked by his family and before Spain’s Parliament, Felipe VI was formally proclaimed the new King of Spain Thursday, following the abdication of his father, Juan Carlos.
The new King, clad in military uniform, promised to head a changed monarchy “for new times,” in an address before the packed parliamentary chamber.
“We have a great country, we are a great nation — let us trust in it,” he told the packed parliamentary chamber and the millions watching nationwide.
After swearing an oath promising to uphold the constitution, the new monarch expressed his respect for the Parliament and the nation — as well as his own emotion at becoming monarch.
Felipe paid tribute to his father’s “extraordinary” legacy over nearly four decades, including his leadership as the country returned to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.
He also thanked his mother, Queen Sofia, for a lifetime of hard work and devotion to the Spanish people.
Felipe spoke of the need for a monarch to unify his country and to work with its political leaders, a message with added significance at a time when many in the country’s Catalonia region want a referendum on independence.
He also vowed to carry out his duties, remain loyal to his nation and work for the interests of Spain. “I will honor the pledge and the oath I have just taken,” he said.
The head of state must set an example of honest and transparent behavior, he said, perhaps a reflection of the scandals that have beset the monarchy in recent times.
Felipe reflected on the country’s recent economic woes,which have fueled high unemployment rates. But he also spoke of the need for its people, at a time of adversity, to “look ahead to the Spain we are building together as I begin this reign.”
This, he said, will mean modernizing to meet the challenges of a globalized world.
The proclamation ceremony is a more subdued affair than a coronation, without the pomp of foreign dignitaries and elaborate ceremonies.
But crowds cheered loudly as Felipe, his wife, now Queen Letizia, and their two daughters emerged onto the balcony of the royal palace, joined by Juan Carlos and Sofia, to salute the Spanish people.
Chants of “Long live the king” rang out in Spanish.
Felipe’s elder daughter, Leonor, 8, becomes Princess of Asturias, first in line to the throne.
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