Felipe VI King of Spain Date of Birth: 30.01.1968 Country: Spain

1. Biography of King Felipe VI of Spain
2. Early Life and Education
3. Olympic Participation
4. State and Public Activities
5. Accession to the Throne
6. Personal Life and Family
7. Role as King
8. Military Service

Biography of King Felipe VI of Spain

King Felipe VI of Spain was born on January 30, 1968, in the Nuestra Señora de Loreto clinic in Madrid. He became the King of Spain in 2014 after the abdication of his father, King Juan Carlos I.

Early Life and Education

Felipe was born into the Spanish royal family and was the third child of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia. He had two older sisters, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina. Felipe received his education at the Santa María de los Rosales school in Madrid and later spent a year in Canada at the Lakefield College School. He then attended various military academies and studied law and economics at the Autonomous University of Madrid.

Olympic Participation

Felipe participated in the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona as a member of the Spanish sailing team. He competed in the three-person boat category and achieved sixth place, earning him an Olympic diploma. His father, mother, and older sister, Infanta Cristina, also participated in Olympic sailing events.

State and Public Activities

As the future King of Spain, Felipe represented the country in numerous official visits and engagements worldwide. He focused on fostering relationships with the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America, and addressing economic and social development issues. In 2002, he visited Russia and opened a Spanish cultural center in Moscow. Felipe also made visits to military units in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan, and other countries.

Accession to the Throne

On June 19, 2014, Felipe ascended to the throne following the abdication of his father. The next day, he took his oath and was officially proclaimed King during a session of the Spanish Parliament. Felipe became the youngest monarch in Europe at that time. As King, Felipe's role is primarily ceremonial and representative, with constitutional responsibilities to ensure the adherence to the Spanish Constitution.

Personal Life and Family

Felipe married Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, a journalist, on May 22, 2004. The couple has two daughters, Infanta Leonor and Infanta Sofia. Infanta Leonor was born on October 31, 2005, and Infanta Sofia on April 29, 2007.

Role as King

As King Felipe VI, he has taken on the responsibility of upholding the Spanish Constitution and acting as the nominal head of the executive branch. He has expressed his commitment to serving the state and defending its interests. King Felipe VI has been well-received by the Spanish public, and there is a desire for him to play a more active role in politics.

Military Service

Felipe served in the Spanish Armed Forces and attained the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel (Army and Air Force) and Lieutenant Commander (Navy). He qualified as a helicopter pilot for the army, air force, and navy. Before ascending to the throne, he held the rank of Captain General in the army, air force, and navy.

Throughout his reign, King Felipe VI has demonstrated his dedication to the welfare and unity of Spain, actively engaging in diplomatic, cultural, and social initiatives.