A new king for Spain
Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 8:05 pm
Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia with their daughters Leonor and Sofia on May 22, 2014 in Madrid, Spain. (Casa de S.M. el Rey)
The Man Who Will Be King:
Spain's Crown Prince Felipe I
Is A Sportsman, Soldier, Statesman
Fox News Latino
After almost four decades atop the Spanish throne, King Juan Carlos abdicated his role on Monday – setting up the coronation of his son, Crown Prince Felipe, and ushering in a new era for the royalty of the Iberian nation after a recent spate of scandals tarnished its image.
The 46-year-old Felipe has largely been untouched by the corruption allegations and anger from the Spanish public over his family’s lavish lifestyle amid the country’s continuing economic woes and rising unemployment. In abdicating, Juan Carlos said that his son not only “represents stability” for both Spain and its monarchy but also marks a generational change that would open “a new chapter of hope” for the beleaguered nation.
The third child of Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, Felipe is currently – among his many titles – the Prince of Asturias, and, since his father’s health began to decline, has increasingly taken on a more active role in the monarchy.
Since 1996, he has represented Spain at the swearing-in ceremonies for presidents in Latin America – a historically important role given Spain’s relations with its former colonial holdings – and has taken the place of his father on visits across the Arab world, Australia and Europe, including a high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin back in 2002.
In 2011, Felipe performed more royal duties than King Juan Carlos did – a total of 253 functions in Spain and abroad. His main role abroad has been to promote economic and cultural matters that are of import to the Spanish government.
Felipe has a broad career in foreign service, having earned a master’s degree in international relations from Georgetown University. He graduated from officer training at Spanish military academies as a helicopter pilot, lieutenant-colonel in the army and air force and frigate commander in the navy.
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