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In Pictures: Spain coronates new King

Spain’s new King Felipe VI has replaced his father who abdicated the throne two weeks ago.

Police stand by in central Madrid on King Felipe VI's coronation day. King Felipe VI was sworn in at a simple ceremony on June 19 at the Congress of Deputies.
By Biel Calderon
Published On 21 Jun 2014

Spain’s new King Felipe VI was coronated on Thursday morning in a low-key ceremony in front of his family and lawmakers at the Congress of Deputies. King Felipe VI has succeeded his father Juan Carlos I after he abdicated the throne two weeks ago.

Wellwishers crowded the streets of Madrid following the path of the march of the new monarch, cheering King Felipe and Queen Letizia.

From the balcony of the royal palace, Felipe VI addressed a crowd of supporters waving Spanish flags. The 46-year-old began his reign with the words: “This is the start of a renewed monarchy for a new time.” The economic crisis, republican sentiments and the threat of an independent Catalonia are among the new king’s top challenges.

Although the government delegation in Madrid banned pro-republican demonstrations during King Felipe’s coronation day, some anti-monarchy protesters showed up in the streets following the path of the royal march. At least three protesters were detained by police.

A protester holding a republican flag passes by a poster showing Spain's new King Felipe VI and his wife, Queen Letizia, in Puerta del Sol, central Madrid.
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Mounted Royal Guards participate in the coronation march.
A Royal Guard keeps an eye on the coronation march.
Souvenirs show King Felipe VI's image on shirts, plates, and mugs in a shop in central Madrid.
Well wishers occupied Madrid's streets to cheer King Felipe VI during his march to the Royal Palace.
A pro-republican supporter is detained by police after waving a republican flag during the coronation march.
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All pro-republican protests were banned during the coronation ceremony.
Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia wave to supporters.
Spain's King Felipe VI is seen on a TV screen in central Madrid while he addresses the crowd at the royal palace.
Pro-monarchy supporters swarm the streets around the royal palace to hear King Felipe VI's speech.
A pro-republican supporter looks over the crowd. Although the government banned pro-republican demonstrations, some anti-monarchy protesters showed up and demanded the abolishment of the throne.
Puerta del Sol in central Madrid is sealed off by police during the coronation.
Police officers guard the National Congress as King Felipe VI is sworn in.