King Felipe and Queen Letizia In New York

King Felipe met with U.S. President Barack Obama in New York City while both leaders were attending the United Nations Climate Summit.

© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Spanish Royals have worked to strengthen relations with the U.S. and have invited President Obama to Spain numerous times.

King Juan Carlos met with the U.S. President at the White House in 2010 and Fist Lady Michelle Obama has visited the royals at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid and Marivent Palace in Mallorca. But no formal state visit has been planned on either side of the Atlantic.

© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

During his speech at the climate summit today, Don Felipe spoke about the need to tackle climate change and Spain’s efforts at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

He said countries could not afford to wait because a small rise in global temperatures could put human lives and societies at risk.

© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Yesterday King Felipe, who studied international relations at Georgetown University, met with Fulbright Scholars at the Institute for International Education.

He spoke about U.S. political and historical ties with Spain, and about shared values of freedom and Democracy. Plus, he highlighted economic ties amid the ongoing crisis in Europe.

Don Felipe also met with King Hussein of Jordan to discuss ongoing troubles in the Middle East.

He and Queen Letizia atogether met with Spaniards working at the U.N. and Spanish scientists working in the U.S.

Queen Letizia took some time yesterday to visit the Dos Puentes School in Harlem to promote bilingual education.

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© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Queen Letizia also met with the heads of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization.

Tomorrow King Felipe will deliver remarks at the opening of the new session of the U.N. General Assembly.

Crowds Flood Madrid As King Felipe VI Takes Oath

Prince Felipe became King of Spain at midnight Spanish time.

This morning, as planned, King Juan Carlos held a small ceremony at Zarzuela Palace to symbolically hand-over command of the armed forces.

© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafo
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Infanta Elena and her son Felipe, far right, were part of the Zarzuela Palace ceremony.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, along with their young daughters Princess Leonor of Asturias and Infanta Sofia, then headed over to the Congress Palace.

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Also there were Queen Sofia, Infanta Elena and other members of the King’s Family. King Juan Carlos did not attend the proclamation to not overshadow his son.

Parliamentarians cheered the traditional “Viva España, Viva El Rey!”

The King swore to uphold the Spanish constitution, spoke in favor of human rights and democracy, and offered a strong defense of the Monarchy.

“The independence of the Crown, its political neutrality and its search for unity amid ideological differences, allow it to contribute to the stability of our political system,” the King said.

The King also alluded to ongoing nationalist and separatist rumblings in certain communities. “Unity is not uniformity,” he said, in an effort to honor Spain’s diversity.

“In a Spain that is united and diverse, based on the equality of all Spaniards, and the solidarity among its different communities and respect for the rule of law, we all fit,” said the new King.

Don Felipe said improving Spain’s economic situation was paramount, and stressed the need for Spain to be a leader in promoting a strong and united Europe.

© Casa de Su Majestad el Rey / Agencia EFE
© Casa de Su Majestad el Rey / Agencia EFE

King Felipe then proceeded in open car to the Madrid Royal Palace. Crowds gathered along the way.

© Casa de Su Majestad el Rey / Agencia EFE
© Casa de Su Majestad el Rey / Agencia EFE
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The new Royal Family greets crowds in Madrid’s Plaza de Oriente from the Royal Palace balcony. King Felipe and Queen Letizia were then scheduled to greet 2,000 guests at the Royal Palace.
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King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia.

U.S. President Barack Obama released a statement of congratulations this morning.

“I look forward to working closely with King Felipe VI and continuing to strengthen this bond in the years to come. As Spain celebrates this transition and looks ahead to the future, the American people celebrate along with the people of Spain,” he said.

King Felipe is adopting a Royal Standard slightly different from his father’s. It lacks the Cross of Burgundy and the background is maroon.