Felipe VI of Spain

Felipe VI of Spain is the current King of Spain, having ascended to the throne following the abdication of his father, Juan Carlos I, on June 19, 2014. He was born to Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía on January 30, 1968, in Madrid, Spain. Felipe VI of Spain has been involved in various royal duties and engagements, including meetings with Pope Francis, Angela Merkel, and Vladimir Putin. He has also been a strong supporter of the European Union and has attended numerous European Council meetings, working closely with Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker.

● Early Life and Education

Felipe VI of Spain was born in Madrid, Spain, and was baptized by Archbishop Vicente Enrique y Tarancón in the Zarzuela Palace. He began his education at Santa María de los Rosales School and later attended Lakefield College School in Ontario, Canada. Felipe VI of Spain then went on to study at the Autonomous University of Madrid, where he earned a degree in Law and later a Master's degree in International Relations from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.. During his time at Georgetown University, he was a classmate of José María Aznar's son, José María Aznar Botella. Felipe VI of Spain has also been a student of Diplomatic School of Spain and has completed his military training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, Spain, the Naval Military School in Marín, and the General Air Academy in San Javier.

● Reign

Felipe VI of Spain ascended to the throne on June 19, 2014, following the abdication of his father, Juan Carlos I. His coronation ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Pope Francis, Angela Merkel, Vladimir Putin, and Barack Obama. During his reign, Felipe VI of Spain has focused on promoting Spanish culture and strengthening ties with other European Union member states, particularly France, under the leadership of François Hollande and later Emmanuel Macron. He has also worked closely with the United Nations and has attended numerous United Nations General Assembly meetings, where he has met with Ban Ki-moon and António Guterres. Felipe VI of Spain has been a strong supporter of the NATO alliance and has attended several NATO summit meetings, including the 2014 Wales summit and the 2016 Warsaw summit, where he met with Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Jens Stoltenberg.

● Personal Life

Felipe VI of Spain is married to Letizia Ortiz, a former journalist who worked for CNN+ and TVE. The couple has two daughters, Leonor and Sofía. Felipe VI of Spain is known for his love of sailing and has participated in several sailing regattas, including the Soling World Championship and the Dragon World Championship. He is also a fan of Real Madrid and has attended several of their matches, including the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final against Atlético Madrid. Felipe VI of Spain has been involved in various charitable activities, including supporting the Red Cross and the UNICEF, and has worked closely with Queen Rania and Prince William on various humanitarian projects.

● Ancestry and Titles

Felipe VI of Spain is a member of the House of Bourbon and is the grandson of Infante Juan and Princess María de las Mercedes. He is also the great-grandson of Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenie. Felipe VI of Spain holds several titles, including King of Spain, Prince of Asturias, and Prince of Girona. He is also the Grand Master of the Order of Charles III and the Order of Isabella the Catholic. Felipe VI of Spain has been awarded several honors, including the Order of the Golden Fleece and the Order of the Seraphim, and has received the Collar of the Order of the Aztec Eagle from the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto.

● Activities and Interests

Felipe VI of Spain is involved in various activities and interests, including sailing, skiing, and hiking. He is also a fan of classical music and has attended several concerts, including performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic. Felipe VI of Spain has been a strong supporter of the Spanish Olympic Committee and has attended several Olympic Games, including the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He has also worked closely with the International Olympic Committee and has met with Jacques Rogge and Thomas Bach. Felipe VI of Spain has been involved in various cultural events, including the Prado Museum's Velázquez exhibition and the Reina Sofia Museum's Picasso exhibition, and has worked closely with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles on various cultural projects.