Felipe VI (born 30 January 1968) is the current King of Spain. As king, he is the head of state and the leader of the Spanish Armed Forces. He also represents Spain in international relations.

Felipe was born in Madrid when Francisco Franco was the dictator. He is the third child and only son of Prince Juan Carlos of Spain and Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark. In 1977, two years after his father became king, Felipe was officially named Prince of Asturias. He was also made an honorary soldier at age 9.

Felipe went to Santa María de los Rosales School and Lakefield College School in Canada. He later studied law at the Autonomous University of Madrid. He also earned a Master's degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

To get ready for his role as commander-in-chief, Felipe joined the Spanish Army in 1985. He trained in the Navy and Air Force for two years. After finishing his studies, he started representing his father at official events. He met TV journalist Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano at one of these events. They married in 2004 and have two daughters, Leonor and Sofía.

Felipe became king on 19 June 2014, after his father stepped down. His time as king has included speaking out against the 2017 Catalan independence referendum, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and making the royal family more open.

Early Life and Family

Infante Juan Carlos of Spain (left) with his son Infante Felipe and his brother-in-law King Constantine II of Greece (right) with his son Crown Prince Pavlos in 1968.

Felipe was born in Madrid. He is the third child and only son of Juan Carlos and Princess Sofía of Greece and Denmark. He was baptized on 8 February 1968. His full baptismal name is Felipe Juan Pablo Alfonso de Todos los Santos. This name includes names of past Spanish kings and his grandfathers. His godparents were his paternal grandfather Juan and his paternal great-grandmother, Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain.

Felipe was called infante (a royal title) shortly after he was born. When he was almost eight, dictator Francisco Franco died. Felipe's father then became king. Felipe made his first public appearance at his father's proclamation as king on 22 November 1975.

Becoming Prince of Asturias

Juan Carlos, Prince of Spain (left), with his son Felipe and his brother-in-law Constantine II of Greece (right) with his son Pavlos, 1968

In 1977, Felipe was officially named Prince of Asturias. This is the traditional title for the heir to the Spanish throne. In May, when he was nine, Felipe became an honorary soldier of the 1st King's Inmemorial Infantry Regiment. This event was held on 28 May with the king and other important people present.

On his 18th birthday, 30 January 1986, Felipe swore loyalty to the Constitution and to the King. This was required by the constitution, and he fully accepted his role as the future king.

Education and Military Training

In 1975, next to his parents, his older sister Cristina, and Alejandro Rodríguez de Valcárcel

Felipe went to Santa María de los Rosales school, where his daughters also studied. He attended high school at Lakefield College School in Canada. He then studied law at the Autonomous University of Madrid and took economics courses. He finished his studies with a Master's degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. His cousin, Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, was his roommate there.

To prepare him for his future role, a special plan was made for Felipe's military training. In August 1985, he was named an officer at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza. He started his training there in September. He continued his training in the Navy and Air Force.

King Felipe VI in 2015 with military leaders.

In 1989, he became a lieutenant in the Army, an ensign in the Navy, and a lieutenant in the Air Force. He continued to receive promotions over the years.

Since 19 June 2014, when he became king, he holds the highest military rank: Captain General (Commander-in-chief) of all Spanish armies. This includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Felipe speaks Spanish, Catalan, French, English, and some Greek.

Olympic Participation

Felipe was part of the Spanish Olympic sailing team at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. He carried the Spanish team's flag during the opening ceremony. His team finished sixth in the Soling class. Both his mother and uncle, King Constantine II of Greece, were on the Greek sailing team in the 1960 Summer Olympics. Felipe's father and sister were also Olympic sailors for Spain.

Marriage and Children

King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and their two daughters, the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofia, in June 2019

On 31 October 2003, it was announced that Prince Felipe was dating Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, a TV journalist. The Royal Household officially announced their engagement the next day. They had met in late 2002.

Their wedding took place on 22 May 2004, at the Almudena Cathedral. Many royal family members from around the world and leaders from Latin America attended. Over 25 million people in Spain watched the wedding on TV, making it the most-watched TV event in Spanish history.

Felipe and Letizia have two daughters: Leonor, Princess of Asturias (born 31 October 2005) and Infanta Sofía (born 29 April 2007). Both were born in Madrid.

Royal Duties in Spain and Abroad

Felipe has carried out his duties as heir to the throne. He has hosted many official events in Spain. Since 1995, he has visited all the Spanish regions. He regularly meets with government bodies to stay updated on their work. He also meets with young professionals in politics, business, and culture. As part of his military training, Felipe learned to fly military helicopters.

Prince Felipe arriving for the third inauguration of Rafael Correa. 2013.

Since 1996, Felipe has represented Spain at many inauguration ceremonies for Latin American presidents. As Prince, he visited almost every country in Latin America. He has made over 200 foreign trips in total.

Felipe also works to promote Spain's economy, trade, and culture abroad. He often represents Spain at international business events. He is especially interested in creating centers and university programs to study Spain's history and present day at major foreign universities.

After the 2004 Madrid train bombings in March 2004, Felipe and his sisters took part in a public demonstration.

Social Activities

Felipe VI presiding over the 2015 Princess of Asturias Awards in Oviedo

Felipe is the honorary president of several groups and foundations. One important one is the Prince of Asturias Foundation. He leads the annual awards ceremony for the famous Princess of Asturias Awards.

In 2001, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan named Felipe a "UN-Eminent Person" for his work promoting volunteering.

Reign as King

Becoming King

Felipe VI takes the oath before the Cortes Generales during the proclamation ceremony at the Palacio de las Cortes, Madrid, 19 June 2014.

On 2 June 2014, King Juan Carlos announced he would step down, allowing Felipe to become king. The government quickly passed a law to make this happen. Felipe became king at midnight on 19 June. His father had signed the law just hours before.

The next morning, Felipe received the Captain General's sash from his father. This symbolized the transfer of royal and military power. He then officially swore an oath and was proclaimed king in a simple ceremony in the Parliament. He promised to uphold the Constitution. When he became king, he was the youngest monarch in Europe.

Felipe VI chairing his first Council of Ministers, at direct request of prime minister Mariano Rajoy (18 July 2014).

As king, Felipe has important powers on paper. He is the guardian of the Constitution and makes sure it is followed. He is expected to act mostly on the government's advice, like his father did. In his speech, he said he would be "a loyal head of state who is ready to listen and understand, warn and advise as well as to defend the public interest at all times."

A poll showed that most Spaniards wanted Felipe to play a bigger role in politics. They wanted him to encourage political parties to agree on national problems.

Changes in the Royal Household

In his speech, Felipe promised a "renewed monarchy for a new time." Soon after, Felipe and Letizia became the first Spanish monarchs to meet with and recognize LGBT organizations at the Palace. Felipe also changed rules to allow people to take an oath without a crucifix or Bible. This did not change his relationship with the Catholic Church. In fact, on their first trip abroad as king and queen, Felipe VI and Letizia met Pope Francis.

King Felipe VI meets with US president Barack Obama at the Waldorf Astoria New York. 2014.

The king also made a clear difference between the royal family and the King's family. His sisters and their children are not considered part of the core royal family. In July 2014, the king stopped royal family members from working outside the Royal Household. He also started external checks on royal finances.

Since 1 January 2015, the Spanish royal family cannot accept "expensive gifts." In February 2015, Felipe announced he would cut his own annual salary by 20% because of Spain's economic problems.

In June 2015, Felipe VI removed his sister, Infanta Cristina, from her royal title of Duchess of Palma de Mallorca. This happened due to issues surrounding her and her husband.

In 2017, the royal family opened the gardens of their vacation palace, the Marivent Palace, to the public. People can visit the gardens when the royal family is not there.

National Politics

Parliament Dissolution

The King receiving the credentials from the ambassador of the Philippines Philippe Lhuillier. 2017.

The elections in 2015 did not result in any party winning enough seats to form a government. After months of talks, no party could form a government. The king then issued a royal order to dissolve parliament and call for new elections in June. This was the first time this happened under this specific part of the Constitution.

After the second elections, a new government was formed. The king swore in the new cabinet on 4 November 2016.

Catalan Independence Referendum

Felipe VI, next to Ada Colau, Carles Puigdemont, Mariano Rajoy and Ana Pastor, during the anti-terrorist demonstration that followed the August 2017 Barcelona attacks.

On 3 October 2017, after the 2017 Catalan independence referendum (which was illegal), Felipe gave a strong televised speech. He said the referendum organizers acted "outside the law" and showed "unacceptable disloyalty." He warned that the referendum could harm Spain's economy.

Reactions to his speech were mixed. Some supported his defense of the Constitution. Others criticized him for not calling for dialogue. After the speech, the Spanish government began a process to take direct control of the Catalan region. This led to the dismissal of Catalan authorities and new elections.

Changes in Government

Felipe VI during his opening speech of the Cortes Generales in 2020.

In May 2018, the ruling party was found guilty in some corruption cases. The opposition called for a vote to remove the prime minister. The vote passed, and the King appointed Pedro Sánchez as the new prime minister. This government lasted about a year and a half.

After new elections in April and November 2019, no single party had a clear majority. The prime minister agreed to form a coalition government. Felipe swore in the new cabinet on 13 January 2020.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Felipe VI with the heads of state and government of Portugal and Spanish Prime Minister in July 2020.

On 18 March 2020, Felipe VI gave a speech about the COVID-19 pandemic. It was watched by over 15 million people, making it the most-watched speech by a monarch in Spanish history. In July, he led a memorial for pandemic victims at the Royal Palace.

Felipe VI has had to quarantine several times due to testing positive for coronavirus. During these times, Queen Letizia took his place at some events.

Recent Elections and Government

King Felipe greeting citizens at the solemn opening of the 15th Cortes Generales in November 2023.

In May 2023, local and regional elections were held. The results were not good for the government. The prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, then asked the king to dissolve Parliament and call early elections.

The election in July 2023 was won by the People's Party, but they did not get enough votes to form a government alone. After meeting with political parties, the king asked the winner, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, to try to form a government. He failed. The king then nominated Pedro Sánchez, who managed to get enough support. Sánchez was re-elected prime minister on 16 November 2023.

In November 2024, King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Sánchez visited victims of floods in the Valencian Community. They faced a difficult situation where some people threw mud and objects. The monarchs stayed to listen to the residents' complaints.

10th Accession Anniversary

In 2024, Felipe celebrated 10 years as king. His new motto is "Service, commitment and duty." The celebrations were kept simple.

The events began at the Royal Palace. The royal family watched the Royal Guard change. The king then gave the Order of Civil Merit to 19 regular citizens from different parts of Spain. His daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, surprised him with a speech to congratulate him.

Later, the king's daughters visited the Royal Collections Gallery with young people who had won a contest about the king. The monarchs also surprised attendees by joining this event. The celebrations ended with public concerts and a light show on the palace.

Sports and the King

Felipe VI presenting the King's Cup to the winners of the 2016 Copa del Rey de Rugby.

Felipe loves sports. He has attended many sports events since 1976. When asked about his favorite team, he said Atlético de Madrid. He has been the club's honorary president since 2003. He also enjoys skiing, squash, and sailing.

Many sports in Spain have a tournament named in his honor, called Copa del Rey (King's Cup). He usually attends these events and gives the trophy to the winners. The King also supports many sports federations in Spain.

He often attends international sports events where Spanish teams play. If he cannot go, another member of the royal family might go instead, like Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía at the UEFA Women's Euro 2022.

International Travels

Official visits during his reign.

Since becoming king in 2014, Felipe VI has visited 57 countries on four continents. His first international trip was to the Vatican City in June 2014 to meet the Pope.

Most of his visits have been to European countries, followed by American, Asian, and African countries. He has not visited an Oceanian country as king, but he did visit Australia and New Zealand as Prince of Asturias in 1990.

Latin America

King Felipe and Brazilian president Lula da Silva greeting during the inauguration of the latest in 2023.

Like his father, Felipe VI has kept a strong connection with countries in Latin America, Portugal, and Brazil. As King of Spain, he represents Spain at all the Ibero-American Summits. He often calls for unity in the region and stronger ties with Spain and the European Union. Spain is the main supporter of the Ibero-American General Secretariat, which is based in Madrid. Felipe VI has attended all these summits since he became king.

He also continues the tradition of attending the inauguration ceremonies of Latin American leaders. As of January 2024, he has attended over 80 such events.

Portugal

Relaxed talk between the heads of State and Government of Spain and Portugal in July 2020.

Relations between Spain and Portugal have remained strong during Felipe VI's reign. His second foreign visit as king was to Portugal in July 2015. He met with the president and prime minister and said that the two countries were "brother countries." He promised to keep their good relationship strong.

The current president of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has a very good friendship with King Felipe. They often visit each other's countries and attend events together.

Cuba

From 11 to 14 November 2019, Felipe and Letizia made a state visit to Cuba. This was to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the city of Havana. It was the first state visit by a Spanish monarch to Cuba.

The monarchs were welcomed by the Cuban president and his wife. They signed agreements and walked through the streets of Havana, visiting important buildings. The next day, King Felipe honored a Cuban historian, Eusebio Leal. To end the trip, they visited Santiago de Cuba and paid tribute to those who died in past wars.

Mexico

The King and Queen of Spain along with the Mexican president, Enrique Peña Nieto, and his wife.

Felipe had a good relationship with Mexico during President Enrique Peña Nieto's time. Felipe made a state visit to Mexico in 2015. However, relations became more difficult with the next president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

In 2019, the Mexican president asked Felipe VI for an apology from Spain for events during the Spanish conquest of the Americas. The Royal Household did not respond directly. The Spanish government "firmly rejected" the request and encouraged both countries to work together. The Mexican president repeated his request for an apology several times.

After this, the Royal Family has not commented on the issue. In 2024, the new Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, did not invite Felipe VI to her inauguration.

Gibraltar

As King of Spain, Felipe has supported Spain's historic claim over Gibraltar. In September 2014, he spoke at the United Nations General Assembly. Two years later, he called Gibraltar the "only existing colony in European territory." He asked the UK to find a solution that would restore Spain's territory and benefit the people of Gibraltar.

He last mentioned the Gibraltar issue during his state visit to the United Kingdom.

State Trip to the UK

From 12 to 14 July 2017, the King and Queen of Spain made a state visit to the United Kingdom. They were welcomed by Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Then, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, officially received them with military honors.

Felipe spoke to the UK Parliament. He mentioned Gibraltar, saying he was sure both governments could work towards a solution that everyone would accept. In the evening, Queen Elizabeth hosted a State Dinner for them at Buckingham Palace.

The next day, they attended a business meeting and visited Westminster Abbey. They also met with Spanish people living in London. The King had lunch with the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May.

On their last day, Felipe and Letizia visited a biomedical research center and Oxford University. They saw old manuscripts and met with academics.

Relations with Jewish Communities

Family photo of the international leaders who attended the Fifth World Holocaust Forum in 2020.

Felipe, like his father, has supported efforts to improve relations with Jewish people. In 1990, he gave an award to Sephardic Jewish communities.

In December 2015, the King held a ceremony to celebrate a new law. This law granted Spanish nationality to Sephardic Jews whose ancestors were expelled from Spain in 1492. In his speech, Felipe thanked them for keeping their language, Ladino, alive. He welcomed them "back home," saying they had "returned home forever."

In January 2020, the King attended the Fifth World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem. He was the only international leader to speak at the opening dinner. He said that "there is no room for indifference in the face of racism, xenophobia, hatred and antisemitism." He added that "forgetting the Holocaust would be extremely dangerous."

In October 2023, King Felipe strongly condemned the Hamas-led attack on Israel. He called for efforts to prevent more suffering. He also supported the idea of a Palestinian State existing peacefully next to Israel to stop violence.

Titles, Styles and Arms

Royal monogram of King Felipe VI

Titles and Styles

Felipe was not given a title as heir until 1977, when he became Prince of Asturias. This is the traditional title for the heir to the Spanish throne. He also uses other historical titles that belong to the heir.

When he became king, Felipe took on the same titles his father held.

Royal Arms

Felipe's arms as heir to the throne (left) and as king (right)

As heir, Felipe's coat of arms was the Spanish coat of arms with a blue "label" (a small band with three points). The shield shows symbols for different parts of Spain: Castile, León, Aragon, Navarre, and Granada. In the middle is a smaller shield with the arms of the Bourbon-Anjou family. Around the shield was the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Above it was the crown of the heir, with four half-arches.

When he became king, the blue label was removed. The crown changed to the monarch's crown, which has eight half-arches. These arms are a bit different from his father's as king, as they do not include some older symbols.

Felipe VI facts for kids

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