The Prince of Asturias (1977) and king of Spain from 2014, year in which he initiated its reign as Felipe VI of Spain. Son of Juan Carlos I of Spain and of Sofía de Grecia, recovered the title of the Prince of Asturias inherent in the heir of the royal house, after the historical parentheses imposed by the Second Republic and the regime of general Franco .
Background
Felipe, an avid sports fan, former sailing team Olympian, and art lover, appeared enthusiastic to make change: “I embody the renewed monarchy for a new time,” he announced. He is military trained, speaks English and French, as well as Spain’s regional languages.
Education
He went to Santa María de los Rosales School until 1984, for his Infant, Primary and Secondary education. He completed his Secondary education by studying the last year—the equivalent of the university entrance course—at Lakefield College School, in Canada.
From September 1985 to July 1988, His Majesty trained at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, where he pledged allegiance to the Flag on 11 October 1985. He continued his military training at the Military Naval School in Marín, and at the General Air Force Academy in San Javier, successively, and was given the commissions of Infantry Lieutenant, Navy Sub-Lieutenant, and Air Force Lieutenant. He is a helicopter pilot, with instrument flightrating in the 402nd Army Air Force Squadron. He earned Helicopter Pilot Wings from the Army and the Navy.
From October 1988 to June 1993, he studied at the Autónoma University of Madrid, where he graduated with a degree in Law, and also studied diverse subjects relating to the degree in Economic Science, in order to complete his education in this area.
In September 1993, he enrolled in a Master's Degree Course in International Relations at the Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service of Georgetown University (Washington, DC), from which he graduated on 26 May 1995.
From September 1999 to June 2000, he took a refresher course in Security and Defence.
Career
From the 90s, Felipe initiated a series of official visits to the Autonomous regions to study in depth the knowledge of the Spanish State. Also it has received in hearings public and deprived to a big number of persons of all the ambiences to be informed about the national and international reality.
He was a member of the Spanish Olympic sailing team at the 1992 Games in Barcelona, where he finished sixth in the Soling event.
As prince, Felipe de Borbón has realized numerous activities abroad to promote the economic and commercial interests of Spain. Also he has encouraged the knowledge of the language and Spanish culture by means of the support to the network of centers of the Institute Cervantes and to the creation of chairs that spread the history of Spain in the main foreign universities
Since 1996 he has represented Spain at the swearing-in ceremonies for presidents in Latin America.
That role has underlined his special interest in relations with Spain's former colonies in the Americas.
In 2011 he performed more royal duties than his father - a total of 253 functions in Spain and abroad.
Felipe’s ascent came at a tumultuous time for the monarchy. On June 2, 2014, Juan Carlos announced his intention to step down. The 76-year-old king’s image had become tarnished after he embarked on a lavish African safari in 2012, at a time when the country was suffering nearly unprecedented economic hardship.
Views
Quotations:
"The vigour of our democracy involves each and every one of us, our will to participate in public affairs, our commitment to our work, and our endeavour to make our moral principles provide our society with firm and lasting cohesion".
"Today, more than ever, citizens demand with good reason that moral and ethical principles be upheld and that exemplariness preside over our public life. And the king, as the head of state, must not only be an example but also a servant to that just and legitimate demand of the citizens".
"We must never relent in our efforts to resolve conflicts through diplomacy and through all of the instruments bestowed by the Charter of the United Nations".
"Our primary objective must be to prevent wars, and when we fail in this, we must protect and assist the innocent victims".
"The men and women of my generation are heirs to that great collective success which has been admired worldwide and of which we are so proud. It is now up to us to pass it on to the coming generations".
Personality
Quotes from others about the person
Mariano Rajoy "I am sure that our new king Felipe VI will be a king for hope and harmony, a king for freedom and equality among Spaniards"