Monarchy of Spain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King of Spain |
|
|---|---|
| Spanish: Rey de España | |
|
|
| Incumbent | |
| Felipe VI since 19 June 2014 |
|
| Details | |
| Style | His Majesty |
| Heir presumptive | Leonor, Princess of Asturias |
| First monarch | Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon (Catholic Monarchs of Spain) |
| Residence | Royal Palace of Madrid (official) Palace of Zarzuela (private) |
| Website | The Spanish Monarchy |
The monarchy of Spain or Spanish monarchy (Spanish: Monarquía Española) is Spain's way of government. It means a hereditary monarch (a king or queen whose position is passed down in the family) is the head of state. This is the highest position in the country. The current King is Felipe VI. He became King on June 19, 2014, after his father, King Juan Carlos I, stepped down.
The Spanish monarchy is also called The Crown (Spanish: La Corona). It includes the reigning monarch, their family, and the Royal Household. This household helps the king or queen do their job.
The Royal Family today includes King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, their daughters Leonor, Princess of Asturias, and Infanta Sofía. It also includes the King's parents, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía.
After a time without democracy, the Spanish Constitution of 1978 brought back a constitutional monarchy. This means the King's powers are set by the constitution. The constitution says the King of Spain represents the Spanish nation. He is a symbol of Spain's lasting unity. The King also helps keep Spanish institutions working smoothly. He is the head of state and the commander-in-chief of the Spanish Armed Forces. The constitution explains the King's titles, powers, and how the crown is passed down. The King also helps build relationships with countries that share Spain's history. He is the honorary president of the Organization of Ibero-American States. This group includes over 700 million people in twenty-four nations worldwide.
Contents
History of Spain's Monarchy
The idea of a monarchy in Spain began with the Visigothic Kingdom. Later, Christian kingdoms like Navarre, Asturias, and Aragon continued this tradition. These kingdoms fought to take back the Iberian peninsula from Muslim rule. This period was called the Reconquista. One important early family was the Jiménez dynasty. They united much of Christian Iberia in the 11th century.
From Sancho III of Navarre (who ruled from 1000–1035) to Urraca of León and Castile (who ruled from 1106–1125), these rulers used the title Imperator totius Hispaniae. This means Emperor of All Spain. They wanted to connect their kingdoms with the rest of Europe. They often made alliances and marriages across the Pyrenees mountains. Urraca's son, Alfonso VII of León and Castile, was the last to use the imperial title. But he divided his empire among his sons. The Castilian Civil War (1366 to 1369) led to the House of Trastámara ruling a Spanish kingdom.
How the Catholic Monarchs United Spain
In the 15th century, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon got married. They were both from the House of Trastámara. Their marriage united two very important kingdoms in Spain. Each kingdom kept its own basic structure. In 1492, the Catholic Monarchs conquered the Kingdom of Granada. This was the last Muslim territory in Spain. This date is often seen as the start of a united Spain.
The lands of the Spanish empire overseas were linked to the Crown of Castile. Castile had a big influence there. After Spanish explorers reached the Caribbean, and conquered the Aztec and Inca Empires, the Crown set up courts and viceroyalties. A viceroy was like a "vice-king" who managed royal policies.
The Habsburg Family Rules Spain
In 1505, the Spanish monarchy passed to the House of Habsburg. This happened when King Charles I became ruler. He was the son of Queen Joanna of Castile and King Philip I of Castile. When Ferdinand II of Aragon died in 1516, his lands were added to Charles's territories. Charles I became the sole ruler.
His son, Philip II of Spain, ruled from 1556. During his time, "King of Spain" became the common way to refer to the monarch. Philip's reign was the peak of the Spanish Golden Age. This was a time of great colonial expansion and trade. The Spanish Crown controlled and profited from all activities in its overseas colonies. The death of Charles II of Spain in 1700, the last Spanish Habsburg, led to a war.
The Bourbon Family Takes the Throne
When Charles II died without children, there was a fight over who would be the next king. Charles II had named Philip of France, Duke of Anjou, as his heir. People worried that Spain and France, two big powers, might unite. This led to the Spanish War of Succession in the 18th century. Treaties in 1713 and 1714 helped keep the balance of power in Europe.
Philip V of Spain was the first member of the House of Bourbon to rule Spain. This family still rules today with King Felipe VI.
In the mid-18th century, especially under Charles III of Spain, the Spanish Crown started big changes. These were called the Bourbon Reforms. They aimed to make the government better and get more money from the overseas empire.
During the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon Bonaparte forced Ferdinand VII of Spain to step down in 1808. The Bourbons became a symbol of resistance against French rule. However, Ferdinand later rejected the liberal Spanish Constitution of 1812. This made many people lose support for the monarchy. In 1830, Ferdinand changed the law so women could become queens again. This meant his eldest daughter, Isabella II of Spain, could become his heir.
Spain Becomes a Republic (Twice!)
In September 1873, Spain became the First Spanish Republic. But a few years later, a military takeover brought the Bourbon family back to the throne in 1874.
In 1931, elections showed that many people wanted to end the monarchy and create a republic. Facing public unrest, Alfonso XIII of Spain went into exile. He did not officially step down. This led to the Second Spanish Republic. The Spanish Civil War began in 1936 and ended in 1939. General Francisco Franco and his allies won.
After 16 years without a king, Franco declared Spain a Kingdom again in 1947. He ruled as the "Head of State of the Kingdom of Spain." But there was no king on the throne. Franco ruled until his death in 1975.
The Monarchy Returns to Spain
Even though Franco had allies who supported other royal lines, he chose Juan Carlos I de Borbón as his successor. Juan Carlos is known for helping Spain move from a dictatorship to a democracy.
Juan Carlos wanted democratic changes to happen faster. He appointed Adolfo Suárez as President of the Government in 1977. The next year, the King signed the new democratic Spanish Constitution of 1978. About 88% of voters approved it. In 1981, Juan Carlos used his strong leadership to stop an attempted military takeover. He spoke out against the coup and ordered the military to stand down.
After 1981, Juan Carlos focused on making sure political changes happened smoothly. He emphasized following the constitution and representing Spain at home and abroad. He aimed to keep the monarchy neutral in politics.
The Crown, Constitution, and Royal Powers
The Crown of Spain is recognized in the Spanish Constitution of 1978. The constitution says the monarch represents Spain's unity and permanence. The King is like the "Father of the Nation." He helps unite the country. For example, in 2010, King Juan Carlos worked to bring Spain's political parties together during an economic crisis.
The Spanish Constitution says that power comes from the people. So, the people give the King the power to reign:
National sovereignty belongs to the Spanish people, from whom all State powers emanate.
—Article 2(2) of the Spanish Constitution of 1978
The monarch helps keep the government working well. He also represents Spain in international relations, especially with countries that share its history. The monarch carries out duties given to him by the constitution and laws.
The King is Head of State, the symbol of its unity and permanence. He arbitrates and moderates the regular functioning of the institutions, assumes the highest representation of the Spanish State in international relations, especially with the nations of its historical community, and exercises the functions expressly conferred on him by the Constitution and the laws.
—Title II the Crown, Article 56, the Spanish Constitution of 1978
When a king or queen takes the throne, they promise to follow their duties and obey the constitution and laws. They also promise to respect the rights of Spanish citizens. The Prince or Princess of Asturias (the heir to the throne) makes a similar promise when they become an adult.
The 1978 Constitution explains the King's powers. It also defines his role in choosing the prime minister and forming the government. The King also has a role in the country's independent court system. However, by tradition, the King makes his decisions after getting advice from the government. He tries to keep the monarchy politically neutral. The King's actions must be approved by a minister to be valid.
It is the King's job to:
- Approve and announce laws.
- Call and dissolve the Cortes Generales (Parliament) and call for elections.
- Call for a public vote (referendum) when the Constitution allows.
- Suggest a candidate for President of the Government (Prime Minister) and appoint or remove them.
- Appoint and dismiss government members based on the Prime Minister's suggestion.
- Issue decrees approved by the Council of Ministers. He also gives civil and military jobs, honors, and awards.
- Be informed about State matters. For this, he can lead meetings of the Council of Ministers if he wishes, at the Prime Minister's request.
- Be the supreme commander of the Spanish Armed Forces.
- Use the right to grant mercy (clemency) according to the law. This cannot include general pardons.
- Be the High Patron of the Royal Academies.
—Title II The Crown, Article 62, the Spanish Constitution of 1978
Titles, Honors, and Awards
The 1978 constitution confirms the monarch's main title is King of Spain. But he can also use other historical titles.
The King and Queen are called "His Majesty and Her Majesty." The husband of a queen (prince consort) is called "His Royal Highness." The heir to the throne is called the Prince of Asturias. This title comes with other historical titles, like Prince of Viana and Prince of Girona. Other children of the monarch are called Infante or Infanta (prince or princess) and are styled His or Her Royal Highness.
.png)
After he stepped down in 2014, Juan Carlos I and his wife Sofía still use the titles of King and Queen of Spain.
The King is the source of all honors in Spain. He gives civil and military jobs, honors, and awards. Titles of nobility are created by the King's "royal grace." They can be passed down to heirs. Most titles are now inherited by the first-born child, regardless of gender.
The King also grants military and civil awards. The Order of the Golden Fleece is the highest honor the King of Spain can give. Other important awards include the Order of Charles III and the Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand, which is Spain's highest military award for bravery.
Immunity and Protecting the Monarchy
The Spanish monarch cannot be charged in court for actions taken by government ministers in the King's name. The King's actions are only valid if a minister approves them. This minister then takes responsibility. This is like the idea of "sovereign immunity." The King of Spain has absolute immunity. He cannot be charged in any Spanish court. This applies to civil and criminal cases. This immunity is only for the current King. It does not apply to other members of the royal family. When Juan Carlos I stepped down, he lost his constitutional immunity. However, a special law was passed so he can only be tried by Spain's Supreme Court.
The Person of the King of Spain is inviolable and shall not be held accountable. His acts shall always be countersigned in the manner established in section 64. Without such countersignature they shall not be valid, except as provided under section 65(2).
—Title II The Crown, Article 56, the Spanish Constitution of 1978.
The idea of lèse-majesté (lesa-majestad) exists in Spanish law. This means it is a crime to insult the dignity of the head of state or the State itself. The King is seen as a symbol of Spain's unity. Breaking these laws can lead to fines and up to two years in prison. This concept is similar to laws against disrespecting a country's flag.
How the Crown is Passed Down
According to Article 57, the Crown of Spain is inherited by the children of King Juan Carlos I de Borbón. The oldest child usually inherits the throne. If there are children of the same age, males are preferred over females. If there are children of the same gender, the older one is preferred.
The Crown of Spain shall be inherited by the successors of HM Juan Carlos I de Borbón, the legitimate heir of the historic dynasty. Succession to the throne shall follow the regular order of primogeniture and representation, the first line having preference over subsequent lines; and within the same line the closer grade over the more remote; and within the same degree the male over female, and in the same sex, the elder over the younger.
—Title II the Crown, Article 57 (1), the Spanish Constitution of 1978.
This system, where males are preferred but females can inherit, has been used in Spain since the 11th century. However, when Philip V became king in 1700, women were not allowed to inherit. This changed when Ferdinand VII brought back the right for women to inherit. He named his daughter Isabella II of Spain as his heir in 1833.
There has been talk about changing the law so the first-born child always inherits, whether male or female. This discussion became more important when Infanta Leonor was born in 2005. She is the current King's elder daughter. Changing this law would require a complicated process, including a vote by the public.
If all the direct family lines run out, the constitution says the Parliament can decide how to choose the next ruler. The constitution also says that royal family members lose their right to the throne if they marry against the King's and Parliament's wishes.
The constitution also explains what happens if the monarch is too young or unable to rule. This is called a regency. A regent rules on behalf of the monarch. The regent must be Spanish and of legal age. If the monarch is a minor, their parent or closest adult relative in line to the throne would become regent.
The King, Government, and Parliament
The constitution explains the government's duties. The government includes the President of the Government and other ministers. They handle domestic and foreign policy, and manage the armed forces in the King's name. The King's most direct power in forming the government is choosing and appointing the Prime Minister. After an election, the King meets with leaders of political parties. He then suggests a candidate for Prime Minister.
- After each new Parliament, the King will suggest a candidate for Prime Minister. He does this after talking with political groups and through the Speaker of the Congress.
- The suggested candidate will present their government's plan to the Congress and ask for their approval.
—Title II Government and Administration, Article 99 (1) & (2), the Spanish Constitution of 1978.
The King can suggest anyone he wants. But usually, he suggests the person most likely to get Parliament's support. This is usually the leader of the party with the most seats. This shows the King supports the democratic process. The King's choices have always been from the parties with the most seats.
The candidate presents their plan to Parliament. Parliament then votes to approve them. If they get a simple majority, the King officially appoints them as Prime Minister. The Prime Minister takes an oath to be loyal to the King and obey the constitution.
If no candidate gets enough votes, the King suggests a new one. If no one can form a government within two months, the King dissolves Parliament and calls for new elections.
The King is usually familiar with political leaders. This helps the process after an election. Once appointed, the Prime Minister chooses their ministers. The King then appoints these ministers. They also take an oath to obey the constitution and be loyal to the King.
King Juan Carlos believed his role was to guide the government, but let the government take the lead. He did not often lead cabinet meetings. However, he meets weekly with the Prime Minister. During the economic crisis in the late 2000s, the King quietly used his influence to encourage both political parties to work together.
Governments usually serve for four years. Then the Prime Minister resigns and advises the King to dissolve Parliament, leading to new elections. The King can dissolve Parliament if the Prime Minister doesn't ask for it after four years. The Prime Minister can also call early elections, but not within a year of the last election. If the government loses Parliament's support, it must resign.
Royal Assent, Justice, and Laws
The constitution gives the King the power to approve and announce laws. After Parliament passes a bill, the King must approve it and publish it within 15 days. The King can also call for a public vote (referendum) if the Prime Minister advises it and Parliament agrees.
The constitution does not directly say the King can stop a law (veto). However, it also doesn't say he can't refuse to approve it. When asked if he would approve a law legalizing same-sex marriage in 2005, King Juan Carlos said, "I am the King of Spain, not of Belgium." This meant he would follow the law.
In Spain, justice comes from the people and is carried out by judges in the King's name. The King appoints 20 members to Spain's Supreme Court. He also appoints the President of the Supreme Court. By tradition, the King makes these appointments based on the government's advice.
The General Council of the Judicial Power will have the President of the Supreme Court and twenty members. The King appoints these members for five years. Twelve are judges, and eight are lawyers or other legal experts chosen by Parliament.
—Title VI Judicial Power, Article 122 (3).
The King also appoints the State Public Prosecutor, based on government advice. The King can grant mercy, but he cannot give a general pardon to government ministers found guilty of serious crimes.
The King and International Relations
The King officially sends Spanish ambassadors to other countries and receives foreign representatives in Spain. However, the government handles diplomatic policy. The King is also responsible for approving international agreements and treaties.
During his reign, King Juan Carlos greatly improved Spain's standing in the world. He improved relations with other European countries, which helped Spain join the European Community and NATO. He also improved relations with the Vatican. The King was given the Charlemagne Award in 1982 for his work for democracy and European unity. The constitution gives the monarch a special role in promoting relations with countries that were once part of the Spanish Empire, and also with Portugal and Brazil. The King of Spain is the president of the Ibero-American States Organization. Because of his support for democracy, many people in Latin America have asked the King for advice on moving from dictatorship to democracy.
The King is helped in his diplomatic missions by the Foreign Ministry. Other members of the royal family, like the Prince of Asturias, can also represent Spain internationally. The royal family's speeches are carefully planned with the Foreign Ministry to ensure they match government policy.
The King and royal family members have represented Spain in many countries around the world. They have also spoken at international organizations like the United Nations and the European Union. Since 2000, King Felipe has handled half of all diplomatic events.
The King as Commander-in-Chief
The Crown's role in the Spanish Armed Forces is based on tradition and patriotism. The King's role in the military is set by the constitution and other laws.
It is incumbent upon the King ... to exercise Supreme Command of the Armed Forces.
—Title II The Crown, Article 62 (H), the Spanish Constitution of 1978.
The King exercises Supreme Command of the Armed Forces and other powers regarding national defense that are provided for in the constitution and other laws.
—Title 1 the Crown, Article 3, National Defense Act, November 17, 2005
However, the government, led by the Prime Minister, manages the armed forces and defense policy. The Prime Minister is a civilian elected by the Spanish people.
The National Defence Council, Spain's top advisory body on security, reports to the monarch. The King chairs the Council when he attends its meetings. King Juan Carlos chaired the first full meeting of the council in 2007.
.jpg)
As Commander-in-Chief, the King holds the highest rank in the military. He is Captain General of the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force. He is the only officer with this 5-star rank. The King takes a strong interest in military policy. Serving in the armed forces is expected for the heir to the throne. Both Juan Carlos and Felipe VI served in different branches of the military before becoming kings.
The Monarchy Today
Charity and Culture
Members of the royal family are often asked to be patrons of charities, cultural groups, or religious organizations. Royal patronage gives an organization official credibility and helps raise its profile. This attracts public interest and media attention, which helps the cause. Royals use their fame to help organizations raise money or promote government policies.
Royal family members also support causes they are interested in. As prince, King Felipe led the Prince of Asturias Foundation. This foundation promotes "scientific, cultural and humanistic values." The foundation gives annual Prince of Asturias Awards to people and groups who achieve great things in science, humanities, or public affairs. Felipe also leads the Codespa Foundation, which helps with economic and social development in Latin America.
Queen Sofía spends much of her time on the Queen Sofía Foundation. This non-profit helps people from different backgrounds, focusing on progress, welfare, and justice. Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo, the King's elder sister, is a director at Mapfre Foundation. Infanta Cristina, Duchess of Palma de Mallorca, the King's younger sister, has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations.
King Juan Carlos started a tradition of giving annual Christmas Eve National Speeches. These are personal messages from the King to the nation, broadcast on TV and radio. He often talks about social or economic challenges, as well as positive messages of charity and goodwill.
The Royal Household
The royal household, called La Casa de Su Majestad el Rey, helps the monarch and royal family with their duties. The government provides money for the royal household each year. This money helps the King do his job with independence and dignity. It pays for staff salaries and office expenses. The royal household works with government ministries but is not part of the government.
The royal household is managed by the Head of the Household. This person oversees all operations. The Head of the Household is helped by a Secretary General. The household has different departments, including one for King Juan Carlos (since 2014), security, communication, and administration.
The Spanish Armed Forces are represented by the Head of the Military Chamber. This person coordinates royal military events and prepares the royal family for military activities. The King also has personal aides-de-camp from all military branches.
The royal household's public relations department manages an official website. It provides information about the royal family, their activities, speeches, and upcoming events. It also publishes details of the King's private meetings if the other party agrees.
Royal Residences and Sites
The King and Queen hold many official events at the Oriente Palace in Madrid. However, King Felipe and Queen Letizia and their family live in a modest home called the Pavilion on the El Pardo estate. This is near his parents' home at La Zarzuela. King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía have spent most of their time at the La Zarzuela Palace.
The Oriente Palace and the palaces on the El Pardo estate are part of the "Spanish royal sites." These are palaces, monasteries, and convents built under royal patronage. The state owns these sites, and they are managed by Patrimonio Nacional (National Heritage). They are available for the King to use as head of state. When the royal family is not using them, these sites are open to the public.
Juan Carlos started a tradition of taking his family on annual holidays to Palma de Mallorca. They stay at the Marivent Palace there. The yacht Fortuna, given to Juan Carlos, is also owned by the State and managed by Patrimonio Nacional.
Annual Budget and Taxes
The constitution says the monarch receives money from the annual state budget to support his family and household. He can use these funds as he sees fit. The Royal Household says these funds help the Head of State carry out his duties with independence and dignity. The budget pays for staff salaries and general office expenses. Senior staff salaries are similar to those of government ministers. The budget also covers expenses for senior royal family members who perform royal duties, like groceries and clothing.
In 2010, the budget approved by Parliament was just under 7.4 million euros. In 2011, a report showed that only 9.6% of the 8.4 million euros budgeted that year went to royal family members as 'salaries'. The rest was for operational expenses like staff salaries and services. In 2012, the monarchy voluntarily took a 7% pay cut to show solidarity with government officials.
The budget does not include the maintenance of Spanish royal sites. These are owned by the state and managed by Patrimonio Nacional. They are open to the public when the royal family is not using them. All royal family members pay taxes and submit their income and wealth tax returns each year.
See also
In Spanish: Monarquía Española para niños
- List of Spanish monarchs
- List of Spanish consorts
- Line of succession to the Spanish throne
- 45 Grupo de Fuerzas Aéreas
- Carlism
- Republicanism in Spain
- Contemporary history of Spain
