On June 2, King Juan Carlos unexpectedly said he would abdicate in favor of his son.
Today, Spain saw their leader since 1975 officially handed over power to King Felipe VI.
REUTERS/Juan Medina
Spain's Queen Sofia (L) looks on as King Juan Carlos and his son Crown Prince Felipe (R) hug each other during the signature ceremony of the act of abdication at the Royal Palace in Madrid, June 18, 2014.
King Juan Carlos, 76, placed the Sash of Captain-General on his 46-year-old son during the ceremony at La Zarzuela Royal Palace in Madrid:
REUTERS/Zipi
Spain's King Juan Carlos (R) places the Sash of Captain-General on new King Felipe VI during a ceremony at La Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, June 19, 2014.
Parliament swore in King Felipe VI as his family looked on:
REUTERS/Zipi
Spain's King Juan Carlos (R) places the Sash of Captain-General on new King Felipe VI during a ceremony at La Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, June 19, 2014.
REUTERS/J. J. Guillen
Spain's new King Felipe VI (2ndL) is sworn in by Parliament Chairman Jesus Posada (L) next to Spain's Queen Letizia (C), their daughters Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia during the swearing-in ceremony at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, June 19, 2014.
REUTERS/J. J. Guillen
Spain's new King Felipe VI (2ndL) is sworn in by Parliament Chairman Jesus Posada (L) next to Spain's Queen Letizia (C), their daughters Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia during the swearing-in ceremony at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, June 19, 2014.
Spain is currently in flux as social, territorial, and political tensions force the monarchy to overhaul institutions and address corruption. Consequently, approval for the royal family has dropped near its lowest standing ever.
Here is the economy that Felipe VI is inheriting:
REUTERS
Here's a look at Felipe posing with Queen Letizia, Princess Sofia, and Princess Leonor:
REUTERS/Albert Gea
REUTERS/Albert Gea