Spain’s new king promises‘renewed royalty’

Taking the Spanish throne, King Felipe VI sought to inspire his beleaguered countrymen amid troubled economic times and lift patriotic spirits a day after the national team’s humbling exit from the World Cup.

“We are a great nation. Let us believe and trust in ourselves,” Felipe said at his swearing-in ceremony.

Felipe, 46, became monarch after his father Juan Carlos announced his surprise decision to abdicate. The 76-year-old said he was stepping aside after a four-decade reign so younger royal blood could energise the country.

Felipe, and Spain, face plenty of problems. The country is struggling to shrug off a double-dip recession and drive down its 26% jobless rate. Scandals have tarnished the royal family and fuelled campaigns to abolish the monarchy, while influential groups in Spanish regions continue to push hard for independence.

Appearing self-assured in a dark military dress uniform, Felipe sought to draw a line under Spain’s recent past, promising “a reinvigorated monarchy for new times”.

Felipe made clear that he intends to restore public trust in the monarchy.

Saying he felt the suffering of those whose living standards were hurt by the economic crisis, Felipe urged Spaniards to shun resignation and unleash their ambitions.

In an oblique reference to separatist groups, Felipe insisted: “We all have our place in this diverse Spain.”