Spain's new King Felipe VI is sworn in by parliament

Felipe VI, 46, has been proclaimed head of state and king of Spain in a ceremony in parliament.

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Earlier, King Felipe received the royal sash from his father, Juan Carlos, at the Zarzuela Palace near Madrid.

He acceded to the throne at the stroke of midnight after Juan Carlos formally abdicated on Wednesday.

Correspondents say the ceremonies have been kept low key, at a time when many in Spain are suffering economic hardship.

The ceremony takes the form of a proclamation rather than a coronation. It is the first royal transition in Spain since democracy was restored in the 1970s.

The new king promised to uphold the constitution and has been giving a speech to parliament.

He thanked his parents and said he had "great hope" for the future of Spain.

"You will find in me a loyal head of state who is ready listen and understand, warn and advise as well as to defend the public interest at all times," he said.

No foreign leaders or royal families have been invited to the event.

He and his wife Letizia will then be driven through Madrid's streets before appearing on the front balcony of the Royal Palace.

Correspondents say the new king faces a series of tough challenges if he is to restore the reputation of the monarchy.

Although Juan Carlos won plaudits for his role in restoring democracy, his image suffered when he went on a luxurious African elephant-hunting safari in the midst of a recession.

His reputation suffered further damage because of tax fraud allegations made against his daughter, Cristina, who is reported not to have been invited to the succession party.

At the same time many Spaniards are demanding a referendum on whether to have a monarchy at all.

A demonstration is scheduled to take place in central Madrid on Thursday, the same day as the enthronement, despite a ban imposed by authorities.

The BBC's Chris Morris in Madrid says Felipe will face the dual challenge of trying to rehabilitate the monarchy and trying to unify a country in which a vocal minority favour republicanism.

The succession has been endorsed by both of Spain's main political parties.

Source:The BBC

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