In pictures: Spain's King Felipe VI proclaimed in Madrid

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27920626

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Felipe VI has been proclaimed the king of Spain following the abdication of his father Juan Carlos.

The king, accompanied by his wife Queen Letizia, was formally sworn in as monarch in a ceremony at Spain's Congress building.

He swore an oath promising to uphold the constitution and gave a speech in which he said he had "great hope" for the future of Spain.

King Felipe then rode through the streets of Madrid in an open-top car on his way to the Royal Palace.

Crowds of wellwishers lined the streets of the Spanish capital to see the new king go past.

His accession to the throne comes at a time when many in Spain are struggling with economic hardship. Meanwhile many Catalans want a referendum on independence, and there is a growing debate about whether the monarchy is the right institution to lead this country forward.

King Felipe was accompanied during the day's proceedings by his wife, Queen Letizia, and their daughters Princess Leonor (left) and Princess Sofia, who also greeted the assembled crowds from the balcony at the Royal Palace.

Felipe's mother, Queen Sofia (left), attended the proclamation ceremony with Felipe's older sister, the Infanta Elena.

Earlier, King Felipe received the royal sash from his father, Juan Carlos, in a ceremony at the Zarzuela Palace. His father formally abdicated on Wednesday.