Editing Felipe VI (section)

==Reign==
===Accession===
[[File:Proclamacionfelipevi2.jpg|thumb|right|Felipe VI takes the oath before the [[Cortes Generales]] during the proclamation ceremony at the [[Palacio de las Cortes, Madrid]], 19 June 2014.]]On 2 June 2014, King Juan Carlos announced his intent to [[Abdication of Juan Carlos I|abdicate]] in Felipe's favor. As required by the [[Constitution of Spain]],<ref>per article 57.5</ref> the [[Council of Ministers (Spain)|Council of Ministers]] began deliberations the following day on an [[Organic Law (Spain)|organic law]] to give effect to the abdication. The law had to be passed by a majority of all members of the [[Congress of Deputies]], the lower house of the ''[[Cortes Generales]]''. According to [[Jesús Posada]], the [[president of the Congress of Deputies]], Felipe could be proclaimed king as early as 18 June.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27672997|title=Spanish politicians lay out abdication timetable|publisher=BBC News|date=3 June 2014|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622204200/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27672997|url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 June, ''[[El País]]'' of Madrid reported that Felipe would indeed be proclaimed king on 18 June.<ref name="ElPais"/>

Felipe ascended the throne at the stroke of midnight on 19 June; his father had given his sanction to the organic law effecting his abdication just hours earlier.<ref name=BBCAccede/> The next morning, after receiving the [[Captain General]]'s sash from his father (symbolizing the transfer of royal and military power),<ref>{{Cite news|date=2014-06-19|title=Felipe VI Takes Over from His Father as Spain's New King|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://online.wsj.com/articles/felipe-takes-over-from-his-father-as-spains-new-king-1403171076|access-date=2023-08-24|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=20 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620111425/http://online.wsj.com/articles/felipe-takes-over-from-his-father-as-spains-new-king-1403171076|url-status=live}}</ref> he was formally sworn in and proclaimed king in a low-key ceremony held in the Cortes. He swore to uphold the Constitution before formally being proclaimed king by Posada.<ref name=Felipespeech>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27918094|title=King Felipe VI calls for 'new Spain' as he is sworn in|publisher=BBC News|date=19 June 2014|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-date=13 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313015131/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27918094|url-status=live}}</ref> Upon his accession, he became the youngest monarch in Europe, being nine months younger than King [[Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands]].
[[File:180714ConsejoZarzuela04.JPG|thumb|right|Felipe VI chairing his first [[Council of Ministers (Spain)|Council of Ministers]], at direct request of prime minister [[Mariano Rajoy]] (18 July 2014).]]
As king, Felipe has fairly extensive [[reserve powers]] on paper. He is the guardian of the Constitution and is responsible for ensuring it is obeyed and followed. It was expected that he would follow his father's practice of taking a mostly ceremonial and representative role, acting largely on the advice of the government. He indicated as much in a speech to the Cortes on the day of his enthronement, saying that he would be "a loyal head of state who is ready to listen and understand, warn and advise as well as to defend the public interest at all times".<ref name=Felipespeech/> While he is nominally chief executive, he is not politically responsible for exercising his powers. Per the Constitution, his acts are not valid unless countersigned by a minister, who then assumes political responsibility for the act in question.

A poll conducted by ''El País'', however, indicates that a majority of Spaniards wish Felipe would play a greater role in politics, with 75% of the 600 people surveyed stating they would approve if he personally pushed the political parties to reach agreements on national problems.<ref name=Oleary>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-king/spaniards-want-new-king-to-play-greater-role-in-politics-poll-idUSKBN0EX0HG20140622|title=Spaniards want new king to play greater role in politics: poll|last=O'Leary|first=Elisabeth|work=Reuters|date=22 June 2014|access-date=6 December 2020|archive-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628164658/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-king/spaniards-want-new-king-to-play-greater-role-in-politics-poll-idUSKBN0EX0HG20140622|url-status=live}}</ref> According to an ''[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]'' newspaper poll, Felipe had a greater approval than his father prior to his reign.<ref>{{cite web|title=Spanish king abdicating so more popular 'new generation' Crown Prince Felipe can take over|date=2 June 2014|url=http://www.news1130.com/2014/06/02/spanish-prime-minister-king-juan-carlos-to-abdicate-in-favour-of-son-crown-prince-felipe/|access-date=16 March 2016|archive-date=22 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322214358/http://www.news1130.com/2014/06/02/spanish-prime-minister-king-juan-carlos-to-abdicate-in-favour-of-son-crown-prince-felipe/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 23 June 2014, he appointed his private secretary since 1995, [[Jaime Alfonsín]], as Private Secretary to the King.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Galaz|first=Mábel|date=2014-06-23|title=Felipe VI nombra a Jaime Alfonsín nuevo jefe de la Casa del Rey|language=es|work=El País|url=https://elpais.com/politica/2014/06/23/actualidad/1403535873_524948.html|access-date=2023-08-27|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827080714/https://elpais.com/politica/2014/06/23/actualidad/1403535873_524948.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Two days later, he also appointed [[José Manuel de Zuleta y Alejandro]], 14th [[Duke of Abrantes (1642)|duke of Abrantes]], as Private Secretary to the Queen.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Higuera|first=Raoul|date=2014-06-27|title=José Manuel Zuleta, la nueva mano derecha de la Reina doña Letizia|url=https://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/casas-reales/2014-06-27/jose-manuel-zuleta-la-nueva-mano-derecha-y-amigo-de-la-reina-letizia_153056/|access-date=2023-08-21|website=vanitatis.elconfidencial.com|language=es|archive-date=19 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819071624/https://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/casas-reales/2014-06-27/jose-manuel-zuleta-la-nueva-mano-derecha-y-amigo-de-la-reina-letizia_153056/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 18 July, the new king chaired his first meeting of the [[Council of Ministers (Spain)|Council of Ministers]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Junquera|first1=Natalia|date=18 July 2014|title=Felipe VI preside por primera vez el Consejo de Ministros|work=El Pais|url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2014/07/18/actualidad/1405671743_960311.html|access-date=5 June 2017|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008231747/https://politica.elpais.com/politica/2014/07/18/actualidad/1405671743_960311.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Household reforms===
During his ascension speech, Felipe pledged a "renewed monarchy for a new time".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-06-19|title=Spain's King Felipe sworn in pledging to set high moral example|url=https://www.euronews.com/2014/06/19/spain-s-king-felipe-sworn-in-pledging-to-set-high-moral-example|access-date=2023-08-26|website=euronews|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826122348/https://www.euronews.com/2014/06/19/spain-s-king-felipe-sworn-in-pledging-to-set-high-moral-example|url-status=live}}</ref> A few days later after this, Felipe and Letizia became the first Spanish monarchs to receive and recognize [[LGBT]] organisations at the Palace.<ref>{{cite news|title=Los reyes reciben por primera vez a colectivos gays en el Palacio del Pardo [The monarchs receive gay organisations for the first time at the Pardo Palace]|url=http://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/reyes-reciben-primera-vez-colectivos-gays-palacio-pardo_2014062400197.html|access-date=17 July 2014|publisher=[[La Sexta]]|date=24 June 2014|language=es|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714161546/http://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/reyes-reciben-primera-vez-colectivos-gays-palacio-pardo_2014062400197.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Felipe also changed the protocol in order to allow people to take the oath of office without a crucifix or Bible.<ref>{{cite news|title=Felipe VI cambia el protocolo y permite la jura del cargo sin Biblia ni crucifijo [Felipe VI changes the protocol and permits the oath of office without a Bible or crucifix]|url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2014/07/09/actualidad/1404932149_211008.html|access-date=17 July 2014|work=[[El País]]|date=9 July 2014|language=es|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714152455/http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2014/07/09/actualidad/1404932149_211008.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This did not mean, in any way, a change in his relations with the [[Catholic Church]] or religion, in fact, on their first overseas trip as king and queen, Felipe VI and Letizia met [[Pope Francis]] in the [[Apostolic Palace]] on 30 June 2014. They subsequently met with [[Cardinal Secretary of State]] [[Pietro Parolin]] and Under-Secretary for Relations with States [[Antoine Camilleri (prelate)|Antoine Camilleri]]. The visit followed one by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía on 28 April.<ref name=":3">{{cite news|title=Comunicato della Sala Stampa: Udienza alle Loro Maestà il Re Felipe VI e la Regina Letizia di Spagna, 30.06.2014|url=http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2014/06/30/0486/01091.html|publisher=[[Vatican City]]|date=30 June 2014|language=it|access-date=30 June 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714160511/http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2014/06/30/0486/01091.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:President Barack Obama and King Felipe VI of Spain, 2014.jpg|left|thumb|King Felipe VI meets with US president [[Barack Obama]] at the [[Waldorf Astoria New York]]. 2014.]]
The king also established a difference between the [[Spanish royal family|royal family]] and the King's family, leaving his sisters and their descendants outside the royal family and, therefore, not carrying out institutional representation of the [[Monarchy of Spain|Crown]] (although they do it occasionally).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Esteban|first=Paloma|date=2019-06-15|title=Auditorías, códigos de conducta y control de regalos: así cambió Felipe VI la Casa Real|url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2019-06-15/aniversario-proclamacion-felipe-vi-casa-real_2072908/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=elconfidencial.com|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826122345/https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2019-06-15/aniversario-proclamacion-felipe-vi-casa-real_2072908/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2014, the king banned the royal family from working outside the [[Royal Household of Spain|Royal Household]] and he established an external audit made by the [[Comptroller General of the State|Office of the Comptroller General of the State]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2014-07-28|title=Spain's Felipe VI to keep royals out of private sector|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-royals-idUKKBN0FX1IB20140728|access-date=2023-08-26|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826122345/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-royals-idUKKBN0FX1IB20140728|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Keeley|first=Graham|date=2023-08-26|title=Spanish king bans royal family from careers in business|newspaper=[[The Times]]|url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/spain/spanish-king-bans-royal-family-from-careers-in-business-rvjgktknqdm|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=0140-0460|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826122345/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/spanish-king-bans-royal-family-from-careers-in-business-rvjgktknqdm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following orders from the king, since 1 January 2015, the Spanish royal family cannot accept "expensive gifts" when "they exceed social or courtesy uses".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-01-01|title=La Familia Real no podrá aceptar desde hoy regalos caros|url=https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/01/01/54a52531ca4741b2308b456e.html|access-date=2023-08-26|website=ELMUNDO|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826122345/https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/01/01/54a52531ca4741b2308b456e.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2015, Felipe announced he would cut his annual salary by 20% as a result of the economic recession and hardships continuing to hamper Spain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Spanish King cuts his salary by 20%|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/122797/World/International/Spanish-King-cuts-his-salary-by---.aspx|access-date=13 February 2015|archive-date=13 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213075058/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/9/122797/World/International/Spanish-King-cuts-his-salary-by---.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2015, Felipe VI stripped his sister, [[Infanta Cristina]], of her royal title of [[Duchess of Palma de Mallorca]], after the tax fraud allegations surrounding her and her husband, [[Iñaki Urdangarín]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=2015-06-12|title=Spain's King Felipe Strips Sister of Duchess Title|url=https://time.com/3918655/spain-king-felipe-princess-cristina-duchess-of-palma-corruption/|access-date=2023-08-26|magazine=Time|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826122348/https://time.com/3918655/spain-king-felipe-princess-cristina-duchess-of-palma-corruption/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-06-12|title=Spain's King to Sister: You're No Longer a Duchess|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/spains-king-felipe-strips-duchess-title-sister-cristina-n374166|access-date=2023-08-26|publisher=NBC News|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826122348/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/spains-king-felipe-strips-duchess-title-sister-cristina-n374166|url-status=live}}</ref> While her husband was eventually sentenced to six years in prison, she was acquitted of all charges.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jones|first=Sam|date=2017-02-17|title=Spain's Princess Cristina acquitted in tax fraud trial|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/17/spains-princess-cristina-acquitted-in-tax-trial|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826122345/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/17/spains-princess-cristina-acquitted-in-tax-trial|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, the Crown opened for the first time the gardens of the royal family's vacation palace, the [[Marivent Palace]], at the request of the regional government of the [[Balearic Islands]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2017-05-02|title=Los Reyes abren las puertas de su jardín de verano en el Palacio de Marivent|url=https://www.hola.com/realeza/casa_espanola/2017050294036/palacio-marivent-apertura-publico/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=HOLA|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826122345/https://www.hola.com/realeza/casa_espanola/2017050294036/palacio-marivent-apertura-publico/|url-status=live}}</ref> The public can enjoy the gardens as long as the royal family is not there.<ref name=":2" />

In February 2024, the king appointed a new Private Secretary, diplomat [[Camilo Villarino]], at that time Head of the Cabinet of the [[High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy]], [[Josep Borrell]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-01-19|title=Felipe VI nombra nuevo jefe de la Casa del Rey a Camilo Villarino Marzo, actual director de gabinete de Josep Borrell en la UE|url=https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2024/01/19/65aab1b7e4d4d8695b8b45a7.html|access-date=2024-01-20|website=ELMUNDO|language=es|archive-date=20 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120032055/https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2024/01/19/65aab1b7e4d4d8695b8b45a7.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Villarino replaced [[Jaime Alfonsín]], private secretary to Felipe for almost 30 years, both as prince and king.<ref name=":8">{{Cite magazine|date=2024-01-19|title=Felipe VI releva como jefe de la casa real a Jaime Alfonsín tras 30 años de servicio|url=https://www.revistavanityfair.es/articulos/felipe-vi-nombra-nuevo-jefe-casa-real-jaime-alfonsin|access-date=2024-01-20|magazine=Vanity Fair|language=es-ES|archive-date=20 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120094756/https://www.revistavanityfair.es/articulos/felipe-vi-nombra-nuevo-jefe-casa-real-jaime-alfonsin|url-status=live}}</ref> Alfonsin remains in the Household as private counselor.<ref name=":8" /> Likewise, in April 2024 the king appointed a new private secretary to the Queen, [[State Lawyers Corps|State lawyer]] María Dolores Ocaña Madrid,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-04-30|title=María Dolores Ocaña es ya la nueva mano derecha de la Reina|url=https://www.larazon.es/espana/maria-dolores-ocana-nueva-mano-derecha-reina_2024043066308d74c0b95c0001d3bf6d.html|access-date=2024-04-30|website=La Razón|language=es}}</ref> replacing the [[José Manuel de Zuleta y Alejandro|duke of Abrantes]]. At the end of 2024, the king concluded the renewal of the senior positions of his Household, appointing two other women to relevant positions. On the one hand, parliamentary clerk Mercedes Araújo Díaz de Terán was appointed Secretary-General and diplomat Carmen Castiella Ruiz de Velasco was appointed as Diplomatic Counselor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-18 |title=El Rey Felipe VI acelera la reforma de la Casa Real con dos mujeres más en puestos directivos |url=https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2024/11/18/673b6786fc6c83f5618b457f.html |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=ELMUNDO |language=es}}</ref>

==== 2020 royal finances controversy ====
On 15 March 2020, following the revelation in ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' that Felipe VI appeared as second beneficiary (after his father) of the Lucum Foundation, the entity on the receiving end of a €65 million donation by [[Abdullah bin Abdulaziz]], King of Saudi Arabia,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.eldiario.es/politica/Felipe-VI-aparece-beneficiario-offshore_0_1005799909.html|website=[[eldiario.es]]|title=Felipe VI es el segundo beneficiario de la fundación que recibió los 100 millones de Arabia Saudí, según The Telegraph|date=14 March 2020|last1=Es|first1=Eldiario|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315201104/https://www.eldiario.es/politica/Felipe-VI-aparece-beneficiario-offshore_0_1005799909.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the [[Royal Household of Spain|Royal Household]] issued a statement declaring (a) that Felipe VI would renounce any inheritance from his father to which he could be entitled, and (b) that Juan Carlos would lose his public stipend from the part of the [[General State Budget]] dedicated to the Royal Household.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51902673|publisher=[[BBC]]|title=Spain's King Felipe VI renounces father's inheritance|date=March 2020|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=16 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316001544/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51902673|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=abc2020>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2020-03-15/el-rey-renuncia-a-la-herencia-de-don-juan-carlos-y-le-retira-su-asignacion-de-los-pge_2499376/|website=[[El Confidencial]]|title=El Rey renuncia a la herencia de don Juan Carlos y le retira su asignación pública|date=15 March 2020|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=16 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316125642/https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/2020-03-15/el-rey-renuncia-a-la-herencia-de-don-juan-carlos-y-le-retira-su-asignacion-de-los-pge_2499376/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.es/espana/casa-real/abci-renuncia-herencia-juan-carlos-202003151948_noticia.html|website=[[ABC (Spain)|ABC]]|title=El Rey renuncia a la herencia de Don Juan Carlos|date=15 March 2020|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315234204/https://www.abc.es/espana/casa-real/abci-renuncia-herencia-juan-carlos-202003151948_noticia.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=escolar /> The renunciation of the inheritance is a mere declaration of intent, since the [[Spanish Civil Code]] prevents accepting or rejecting an inheritance until the death of the person who bequeaths takes place.<ref>{{Cite web|last2=Herrera|first1=Marcos|last1=Pinheiro|first2=Elena|date=3 August 2020|title=La presión judicial y política aboca al rey emérito a irse de España para tratar de salvar la monarquía de sus propios escándalos|url=https://www.eldiario.es/politica/presion-judicial-politica-aboca-rey-emerito-exilio-tratar-salvar-monarquia-propios-escandalos_1_6145712.html|access-date=4 August 2020|website=elDiario|language=es|archive-date=26 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926131146/https://www.eldiario.es/politica/presion-judicial-politica-aboca-rey-emerito-exilio-tratar-salvar-monarquia-propios-escandalos_1_6145712.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Royal Household also implied that Felipe VI already had prior knowledge of the Lucum Foundation and his condition as beneficiary of the latter since April 2019.<ref name="escolar">{{Cite web|website=[[eldiario.es]]|url=https://www.eldiario.es/escolar/hijo-padre-intentar-salvar-corona_6_1006209395.html|title=El rey hijo mata al padre para intentar salvar la corona|date=15 March 2020|first=Ignacio|last=Escolar|author-link=Ignacio Escolar|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315232856/https://www.eldiario.es/escolar/hijo-padre-intentar-salvar-corona_6_1006209395.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

After this controversy, in April 2022 the [[Council of Ministers (Spain)|Council of Ministers]] approved a Royal Decree elaborated by the [[Royal Household of Spain|Royal Household]] that puts the King's house completely under the 2013 Transparency Act and the 2015 Senior Officials Act. This implies, on the one hand, a greater control of the Crown's finances, since the [[Court of Auditors (Spain)|Court of Auditors]] will be able to audit its accounts; on the other hand, the disclosure of the wealth of the king and of the senior officials of the Household.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-04-26|title=El Tribunal de Cuentas fiscalizará los ingresos y gastos de la Casa Real|url=https://www.vozpopuli.com/espana/rey-felipe-tribunal-cuentas.html|first1=Jorge|last1=Sáinz|access-date=2023-08-26|website=Vozpópuli|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826122349/https://www.vozpopuli.com/espana/rey-felipe-tribunal-cuentas.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Castro|first=Irene|date=2022-04-26|title=El Tribunal de Cuentas fiscalizará a la Casa Real|url=https://www.eldiario.es/politica/tribunal-cuentas-fiscalizara-casa-real_1_8943610.html|access-date=2023-08-26|website=elDiario.es|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826122345/https://www.eldiario.es/politica/tribunal-cuentas-fiscalizara-casa-real_1_8943610.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 25 April 2022, in a move towards greater transparency, Felipe VI made public his personal assets for the first time, revealing them to be valued at 2.6 million [[euro]]s ([[US$]]2.8 million). The Spanish royal palace stated that his wealth is in savings, current accounts and securities, as well as art, antiques and jewelry; and that he has no real estate or financial dealings abroad.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kassam|first=Ashifa|title=Spain's king unveils assets amid push for more transparency|url=https://apnews.com/article/europe-arts-and-entertainment-spain-king-felipe-vi-juan-carlos-a2024ad8491c8bb7656730af31e2eb4d|work=Associated Press News|date=26 April 2022|access-date=27 April 2022|archive-date=27 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427143532/https://apnews.com/article/europe-arts-and-entertainment-spain-king-felipe-vi-juan-carlos-a2024ad8491c8bb7656730af31e2eb4d|url-status=live}}</ref> It also noted that Felipe VI had paid tax on all his financial earnings.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spain's King Felipe VI unveils €2.6m assets amid push for more transparency|url=https://www.euronews.com/2022/04/26/spain-s-king-felipe-vi-unveils-2-6m-assets-amid-push-for-more-transparency|work=Euronews|date=26 April 2022|access-date=27 April 2022|archive-date=27 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427143532/https://www.euronews.com/2022/04/26/spain-s-king-felipe-vi-unveils-2-6m-assets-amid-push-for-more-transparency|url-status=live}}</ref> This amount makes him one of the [[List of royalty by net worth|least wealthy monarchs in the world]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Badcock|first=James|title=I might be king of Spain but I'm not loaded: Felipe VI claims he is one of world's poorest monarchs|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/04/26/spains-king-felipe-one-worlds-poorest-monarchs-net-worth-just/|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=26 April 2022|access-date=27 April 2022|archive-date=27 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427143532/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/04/26/spains-king-felipe-one-worlds-poorest-monarchs-net-worth-just/|url-status=live}}</ref> despite previous estimates of his father [[Juan Carlos I]]'s wealth being estimated between $2–2.3 billion.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Paradinas|first1=Marcos|title=Las redes se hacen eco de la fortuna del Rey, estimada en 2 mil millones de euros según la prensa extranjera|url=https://www.elplural.com/politica/espana/las-redes-se-hacen-eco-de-la-fortuna-del-rey-estimada-en-2-mil-millones-de-euros-segun-la-prensa-extranjera_39339102|website=El Plural|date=3 June 2014|publisher=El Pural|access-date=12 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714123146/https://www.elplural.com/politica/espana/las-redes-se-hacen-eco-de-la-fortuna-del-rey-estimada-en-2-mil-millones-de-euros-segun-la-prensa-extranjera_39339102|archive-date=14 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NYT: el Rey llegó al trono casi sin dinero; su fortuna supera los 2.300 millones|url=https://www.bolsamania.com/noticias/pulsos/inyti-el-rey-llego-al-trono-casi-sin-dinero-su-fortuna-supera-los-2300-millones--436223.html|website=Bolsamania|access-date=12 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108132305/http://www.bolsamania.com/noticias/pulsos/inyti-el-rey-llego-al-trono-casi-sin-dinero-su-fortuna-supera-los-2300-millones--436223.html|archive-date=8 November 2015}}</ref>

=== National politics ===

==== Dissolution of Parliament ====
[[File:Madrid Pres Cred King Felipe VI 1.jpg|thumb|The King receiving the credentials from the Philippines ambassador [[Philippe Lhuillier]], 2017]]
The [[2015 Spanish general election|elections in 2015]] resulted in no party winning enough seats to form a government. No agreements with the different parties were successful. After months of talks with the different party leaders, and with there being no apparent candidate in a position of support in forming a government, the king issued a royal decree dissolving parliament with [[2016 Spanish general election|new elections]] being called in June.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/04/world/europe/king-felipe-spain-dissolves-parliament-new-elections.html|title=King Felipe of Spain Dissolves Parliament, Clearing Way for New Elections|newspaper=The New York Times|date=4 May 2016|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=6 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006181238/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/04/world/europe/king-felipe-spain-dissolves-parliament-new-elections.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This marked the first time since the transition to democracy that an election was called under Article 99.5 of the [[Spanish Constitution of 1978|Constitution]], wherein the initiative for issuing the dissolution of the Cortes belonged to the King and not to the Prime Minister.<ref>{{cite news|title=The King dissolves the Cortes for the first time in democracy|language=es|url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/05/03/5727b1f2468aebda698b45a2.html|newspaper=El Mundo|date=3 May 2016|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-date=2 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502212120/http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/05/03/5727b1f2468aebda698b45a2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the second elections, some socialist MPs abstained in order to make it easy for the conservative prime minister, [[Mariano Rajoy]], to form a new government.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jones|first=Sam|date=2016-10-29|title=Spain avoids third election and ends 10-month political impasse|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/28/spain-to-get-government-after-10-month-political-impasse-mariano-rajoy|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=21 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821162219/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/28/spain-to-get-government-after-10-month-political-impasse-mariano-rajoy|url-status=live}}</ref> The king swore in the new cabinet on 4 November 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Casqueiro|first=Javier|date=2016-11-04|title=Spain's new Cabinet suggests few changes to major policies|url=https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2016/11/04/inenglish/1478246610_894323.html|access-date=2023-08-26|website=EL PAÍS English|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826104818/https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2016/11/04/inenglish/1478246610_894323.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Catalan independence referendum ====
{{Main|2017–2018 Spanish constitutional crisis}}On 3 October 2017, as huge protest rallies and a general strike took place in Catalonia following the [[2017 Catalan independence referendum]] that was deemed illegal by Spanish authorities, Felipe delivered an unusually strongly worded televised address, watched by more than 12 million people across the country,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-10-04|title=Cataluña: el mensaje del Rey tuvo más de 12 millones de espectadores, un 76,7% de cuota de televisión|url=https://cincodias.elpais.com/cincodias/2017/10/04/companias/1507101961_684758.html|access-date=2023-10-08|website=Cinco Días|language=es|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172435/https://cincodias.elpais.com/cincodias/2017/10/04/companias/1507101961_684758.html|url-status=live}}</ref> in which he condemned the actions of the referendum organizers for acting "outside the law", accusing them of "unacceptable disloyalty" and of "eroding the harmony and co-existence within Catalan society itself". He also warned the referendum could put the economy of the entire north-east region of Spain at risk.<ref name="BBC-3Oct17">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41493014|title=Catalan referendum: Vote illegal – Spain's King Felipe|date=3 October 2017|publisher=BBC News|access-date=3 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003192916/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41493014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Sam|date=3 October 2017|title=King Felipe: Catalonia's authorities have 'scorned' all Spaniards with referendum|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/03/king-felipe-catalan-authorities-have-scorned-all-spaniards-with-referendum|work=The Guardian|location=Barcelona|access-date=4 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003234559/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/03/king-felipe-catalan-authorities-have-scorned-all-spaniards-with-referendum|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Clarke|first1=Hillary|last2=Rebaza|first2=Claudia|last3=Soares|first3=Soa|date=3 October 2017|title=King of Spain accuses Catalan leaders of 'unacceptable disloyalty'|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/10/03/europe/catalonia-general-strike-protests-barcelona/index.html|publisher=CNN|access-date=4 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003233314/http://edition.cnn.com/2017/10/03/europe/catalonia-general-strike-protests-barcelona/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Reactions to Felipe's speech were mixed. Party officials from the [[People's Party (Spain)|PP]], [[PSOE]] and [[Ciudadanos]] applauded the King's "commitment to legality" and the "defense of the Constitution, the [regional] [[Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia of 2006|Statute]], the rule of law and the territorial integrity of Spain",<ref>{{cite news|date=3 October 2017|title=El PP destaca que el rey 'se ha vuelto a comprometer con la legalidad'|url=http://www.eldiario.es/catalunya/politica/MINUTO-Diada_13_685361458_13165.html|language=es|work=eldiario.es|access-date=4 October 2017|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610130745/https://www.eldiario.es/catalunya/politica/MINUTO-Diada_13_685361458_13165.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2017-10-04|title=PP, PSOE y Ciudadanos respaldan el discurso del Rey|language=es|work=El País|url=https://elpais.com/politica/2017/10/03/actualidad/1507060364_044634.html|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826073622/https://elpais.com/politica/2017/10/03/actualidad/1507060364_044634.html|url-status=live}}</ref> whereas leaders from [[Unidos Podemos]] and [[Catalunya en Comú]] criticized it as "as unworthy as it was irresponsible", paving the way for a harsh intervention of the Catalan autonomy.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gil|first=Andrés|date=3 October 2017|title=El discurso del rey enciende a Unidos Podemos y los 'comunes'|url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/discurso-rey-enciende-Unidos-Podemos-comunes_0_693281813.html|language=es|work=eldiario.es|access-date=4 October 2017|archive-date=11 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611152834/https://www.eldiario.es/politica/discurso-rey-enciende-Unidos-Podemos-comunes_0_693281813.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Some PSOE leaders were upset that the King had not made any call to understanding or dialogue between the Spanish and Catalan governments.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-10-03|title=El PSOE destaca del mensaje del Rey la apelación a la concordia entre catalanes y españoles|url=https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-psoe-echa-falta-discurso-rey-llamada-dialogo-20171003213411.html|access-date=2023-08-26|publisher=Europa Press|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826073623/https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-psoe-echa-falta-discurso-rey-llamada-dialogo-20171003213411.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the speech, where Felipe ordered the "legitimate powers of the State" to ensure "constitutional order",<ref>{{Cite web|last=CARPIO|first=JOSÉ Á|date=2017-10-03|title=El rey acusa de deslealtad inadmisible a la Generalitat|url=https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20171003/referendum-cataluna-rey-acusa-deslealtad-inadmisible-generalitat-llama-asegurar-orden-constitucional/1625630.shtml|access-date=2023-08-26|website=RTVE.es|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826073622/https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20171003/referendum-cataluna-rey-acusa-deslealtad-inadmisible-generalitat-llama-asegurar-orden-constitucional/1625630.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> the Spanish government started the process to apply [[Article 155 of the Constitution of Spain|article 155 of the Constitution]], which gives special powers to the central government to intervene in a Spanish region.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jones|first=Sam|date=2017-10-19|title=Spain to impose direct rule as Catalonia leader refuses to back down|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/18/spain-direct-rule-catalonia-deadline-direct-rule|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826103145/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/18/spain-direct-rule-catalonia-deadline-direct-rule|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-10-19|title=Spain to suspend Catalan autonomy|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/catalonia-independence-spain-to-suspend-autonomy/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=Politico|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826073625/https://www.politico.eu/article/catalonia-independence-spain-to-suspend-autonomy/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 27 October 2017, the [[Spanish Senate]] approved government proposal to impose direct rule in the region with the support of conservative and socialist votes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-10-27|title=Spanish Senate approves direct rule over Catalonia|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/spanish-senate-approves-direct-rule-over-catalonia/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=Politico|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826073623/https://www.politico.eu/article/spanish-senate-approves-direct-rule-over-catalonia/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Spanish government dismissed all Catalan authorities, dissolved the regional parliament and called for [[2017 Catalan regional election|early elections in 2017]].<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Jones|first1=Sam|last2=Burgen|first2=Stephen|last3=Graham-Harrison|first3=Emma|date=2017-10-28|title=Spain dissolves Catalan parliament and calls fresh elections|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/27/spanish-pm-mariano-rajoy-asks-senate-powers-dismiss-catalonia-president|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=26 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426010929/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/27/spanish-pm-mariano-rajoy-asks-senate-powers-dismiss-catalonia-president|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Conservative government fall and political instability ====
{{See also|2019–2020 Spanish government formation}}
[[File:Solemne_apertura_de_la_XIV_Legislatura_07.jpg|thumb|left|Felipe VI during his opening speech of the [[Cortes Generales]] in 2020.]] 
In May 2018, the [[Audiencia Nacional]] issued a ruling finding the ruling party, [[People's Party (Spain)|People's Party]], guilty as beneficiary of some corruption cases.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jones|first=Sam|date=2018-05-24|title=Court finds Spain's ruling party benefited from bribery scheme|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/24/court-finds-spain-ruling-party-pp-benefited-bribery-luis-barcenas|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144921/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/24/court-finds-spain-ruling-party-pp-benefited-bribery-luis-barcenas|url-status=live}}</ref> The left-wing opposition, led by socialist [[Pedro Sánchez]], called for a [[2018 vote of no confidence in the government of Mariano Rajoy|vote of no confidence]] against the conservative prime minister. The [[Congress of Deputies]] approved the motion on 1 June 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-06-01|title=Spain's Rajoy ousted in no-confidence vote|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/spains-rajoy-ousted-in-no-confidence-vote/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=Politico|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826104818/https://www.politico.eu/article/spains-rajoy-ousted-in-no-confidence-vote/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the King appointed Sánchez as new prime minister on 2 June.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-06-02|title=Pedro Sánchez sworn in as Spain's prime minister|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/pedro-sanchez-spain-new-prime-minister-mariano-rajoy-sworn-in/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=Politico|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826104817/https://www.politico.eu/article/pedro-sanchez-spain-new-prime-minister-mariano-rajoy-sworn-in/|url-status=live}}</ref> The socialist minority government lasted for a year and a half, and fell in February 2019 after the government failed to pass the budget.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reid|first=David|date=2019-02-15|title=Spanish prime minister calls snap election after budget fails to pass|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/15/spanish-prime-minister-calls-snap-election-after-budget-fails-to-pass.html|access-date=2023-08-26|publisher=CNBC|archive-date=18 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818143144/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/15/spanish-prime-minister-calls-snap-election-after-budget-fails-to-pass.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Although the Socialists won the [[April 2019 general election]], the political scenario was left wide open.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-04-28|title=Spain election: Socialists win amid far-right breakthrough|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48081540|access-date=2023-08-26|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109172610/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48081540|url-status=live}}</ref> The socialist prime minister refused to agree with the leaders of left-wing populist [[Podemos (Spanish political party)|Podemos]],<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-09-12|title=Spain's Sanchez rejects latest Podemos proposal for coalition government|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-politics-idUSKCN1VX2HS|access-date=2023-08-26|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826104818/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-politics-idUSKCN1VX2HS|url-status=live}}</ref> and the King dissolved Parliament.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Casqueiro|first1=Javier|last2=Alberola|first2=Miquel|date=2019-09-24|title=El Rey firma la disolución de las Cortes y la convocatoria de elecciones el 10-N|language=es|work=El País|url=https://elpais.com/politica/2019/09/23/actualidad/1569260362_423557.html|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=26 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926192807/https://elpais.com/politica/2019/09/23/actualidad/1569260362_423557.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[November 2019 Spanish general election|November general election]] had the same result as in April, so the prime minister agreed to a coalition.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jones|first=Sam|date=2019-11-12|title=Spain's ruling socialists strike coalition deal with Podemos|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/12/spain-ruling-socialists-strike-coalition-deal-with-podemos-sanchez|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826104817/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/12/spain-ruling-socialists-strike-coalition-deal-with-podemos-sanchez|url-status=live}}</ref> Felipe swore in the new coalition cabinet on 13 January 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-01-13|title=The new faces in Spain's coalition government|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/the-new-faces-in-spain-pedro-sanchez-coalition-government/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=Politico|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826104818/https://www.politico.eu/article/the-new-faces-in-spain-pedro-sanchez-coalition-government/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== COVID-19 pandemic ====
[[File:La reapertura de la frontera entre España y Portugal, Badajoz y Elvas, miércoles 1 de julio de 2020 (10).png|thumb|right|Felipe VI with the heads of state and government of Portugal and Spanish Prime Minister in July 2020.]]
On 18 March 2020, a widespread ''[[cacerolada]]'' from the balconies of some cities across Spain took place, in an attempt to counter-program the TV discourse of Felipe VI on the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Spain|COVID-19 pandemic in that country]]. The intent was to force Juan Carlos I to donate to public healthcare the €100M he had allegedly obtained through kickbacks from Saudi Arabia, which was ultimately dismissed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eldiario.es/politica/discurso-contestado-balcones-cacerolada-masiva_0_1007200386.html|website=[[eldiario.es]]|title=El discurso del rey es contestado desde los balcones con una cacerolada masiva|date=18 March 2020|access-date=18 March 2020|archive-date=18 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318212336/https://www.eldiario.es/politica/discurso-contestado-balcones-cacerolada-masiva_0_1007200386.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/caceroladas-toda-espana-piden-que-100-millones-saudies-rey-emerito-destinen-sanidad_202003185e728c24db29e90001800935.html|website=[[La Sexta]]|title=Caceroladas por toda España piden que los 100 millones saudíes del rey emérito se destinen a la Sanidad|date=18 March 2020|access-date=18 March 2020|archive-date=18 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318212339/https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/caceroladas-toda-espana-piden-que-100-millones-saudies-rey-emerito-destinen-sanidad_202003185e728c24db29e90001800935.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the attempt to boycott the speech, it was seen by more than 15 million citizens, making it the most watched speech by a monarch in the history of Spain.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-19|title=El mensaje del rey fue seguido por 15,6 millones de espectadores|url=https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/sociedad/2020/03/19/mensaje-rey-seguido-156-millones-espectadores/00031584620729218942901.htm|access-date=2023-10-08|website=La Voz de Galicia|language=es|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172435/https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/sociedad/2020/03/19/mensaje-rey-seguido-156-millones-espectadores/00031584620729218942901.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-19|title=15 millones de personas siguieron el discurso de Felipe VI en televisión|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/television/20200319/474258730701/discurso-rey-felipe-vi-coronavirus-audiencias.html|access-date=2023-10-08|website=La Vanguardia|language=es|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172435/https://www.lavanguardia.com/television/20200319/474258730701/discurso-rey-felipe-vi-coronavirus-audiencias.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In July, he led a memorial paying tribute to victims of the pandemic at the [[Royal Palace of Madrid|Royal Palace]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-53435505|title=Spanish king leads memorial to victims of Covid-19|publisher=BBC|date=16 July 2020|access-date=14 May 2022|archive-date=14 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514223431/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-53435505|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2021, Felipe VI warned against virus complacency during the pandemic, stating that "the risk has not disappeared."<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Spanish king's annual speech warns against virus complacency|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/spanish-kings-annual-speech-warns-virus-complacency-81934984|publisher=ABC News|location=United States|date=24 December 2021|access-date=14 May 2022|archive-date=14 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514221929/https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/spanish-kings-annual-speech-warns-virus-complacency-81934984|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the context of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Spain|COVID-19 pandemic]], King Felipe had to isolate himself in quarantine for testing positive for coronavirus on several occasions between 2020 and 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-23|title=Spain's King Felipe VI self-isolating after COVID-19 contact|url=https://www.euronews.com/2020/11/23/king-felipe-vi-of-spain-self-isolating-after-contact-with-covid-19-case|access-date=2023-08-24|website=euronews|archive-date=2 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202202204/https://www.euronews.com/2020/11/23/king-felipe-vi-of-spain-self-isolating-after-contact-with-covid-19-case|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2022-02-09|title=Spain's King Felipe tests positive for COVID-19|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spains-king-felipe-tests-positive-covid-19-2022-02-09/|access-date=2023-08-24|archive-date=21 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421054742/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spains-king-felipe-tests-positive-covid-19-2022-02-09/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Alonso|first=Maria Eugenia|date=16 February 2022|title=The King of Spain is forced to extend his quarantine after testing Covid positive again|work=SURinEnglish|url=https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/king-spain-forced-20220216102917-nt.html|access-date=14 May 2022|archive-date=16 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216111150/https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/king-spain-forced-20220216102917-nt.html|url-status=live}}</ref> While he was isolated, [[Queen Letizia]] replaced him in those events for which she was constitutionally authorized (awards delivery,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-01|title=La Reina Letizia sustituye al Rey en la entrega de los Premios Jaume I en Valencia|url=https://www.mujerhoy.com/celebrities/realeza/202011/30/reina-letizia-sustituye-entrega-6213104517001-vi.html|access-date=2023-08-24|website=Mujer Hoy|language=es|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414041027/https://www.mujerhoy.com/celebrities/realeza/202011/30/reina-letizia-sustituye-entrega-6213104517001-vi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> lunches, event openings,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-26|title=Doña Letizia sustituye al Rey en la inauguración de un congreso en Sevilla|url=https://www.lne.es/vida-y-estilo/gente/2020/11/26/dona-letizia-sustituye-rey-inauguracion-25609264.html|access-date=2023-08-24|website=La Nueva España|language=es|archive-date=24 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824210607/https://www.lne.es/vida-y-estilo/gente/2020/11/26/dona-letizia-sustituye-rey-inauguracion-25609264.html|url-status=live}}</ref> etc.) but not in those activities tightly related to constitutional responsibilities (such as the working meeting with the president of Bosnia and Herzegovina, [[Željko Komšić]], in 2022, which had to be postponed<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-02-09|title=El rey Felipe VI da positivo en la prueba de coronavirus y estará una semana aislado|url=https://elpais.com/espana/2022-02-09/el-rey-felipe-vi-da-positivo-en-la-prueba-de-coronavirus.html|access-date=2023-08-24|website=El País|language=es|archive-date=24 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824171156/https://elpais.com/espana/2022-02-09/el-rey-felipe-vi-da-positivo-en-la-prueba-de-coronavirus.html|url-status=live}}</ref>).<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-28|title=La 'regencia' en plena forma de la Reina Letizia por la cuarentena del Rey|url=https://www.elmundo.es/loc/casa-real/2020/11/28/5fc0e75521efa0755f8b45da.html|access-date=2023-08-24|website=ELMUNDO|language=es|archive-date=24 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824171205/https://www.elmundo.es/loc/casa-real/2020/11/28/5fc0e75521efa0755f8b45da.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2023 Spanish general election and third Sánchez government ====
The [[Second government of Pedro Sánchez|coalition government]] formed in 2020 led to almost a complete [[14th Cortes Generales|legislature]] of stability, however, in May 2023, [[2023 Spanish local elections|local]] and [[2023 Spanish regional elections|regional]] elections were held. The result of these elections could not have been worse for the government; although the [[Spanish Socialist Workers' Party|Socialist Party]] held up well, losing just 400,000 votes compared to the 2019 regional and local elections, the parties to its left collapsed<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-05-28|title=La izquierda a la izquierda del PSOE se hunde y tiñe de azul España|url=https://www.elplural.com/politica/espana/izquierda-izquierda-psoe-hunde-tine-azul-espana_311556102|access-date=2023-08-26|website=El Plural|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826111023/https://www.elplural.com/politica/espana/izquierda-izquierda-psoe-hunde-tine-azul-espana_311556102|url-status=live}}</ref> and, in many regions and cities, disappeared, causing the Socialists to lose most of their regional and local power.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Carreño|first1=Belén|last2=Jones|first2=Jessica|last3=Carreño|first3=Belén|date=2023-05-28|title=Spain's conservative PP elbows Socialists out in regional elections|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-holds-regional-elections-ahead-year-end-national-vote-2023-05-28/|access-date=2023-08-26|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826111022/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-holds-regional-elections-ahead-year-end-national-vote-2023-05-28/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2023-05-29|title=Spain swings right in local and regional elections|work=Le Monde|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/05/29/spain-swings-right-in-local-and-regional-elections_6028300_4.html|access-date=2023-08-26|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826111022/https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/05/29/spain-swings-right-in-local-and-regional-elections_6028300_4.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Solemne Sesión de Apertura de la XV Legislatura (10).jpg|thumb|King Felipe greeting citizens at the [[Solemn Opening of the Parliament of Spain|solemn opening]] of the [[15th Cortes Generales]] in November 2023]]
After this disastrous result, the Socialist prime minister, [[Pedro Sánchez]], requested the king to dissolve Parliament and call early elections with the aim of "clarifying the [will of the] Spanish people about the political forces that should lead this new phase and the policies to be applied".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-05-29|title=Spanish PM Sánchez calls snap general election after disastrous local polls|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/spanish-pm-sanchez-calls-snap-general-election-after-disastrous-results-in-local-elections/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=Politico|archive-date=23 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723112136/https://www.politico.eu/article/spanish-pm-sanchez-calls-snap-general-election-after-disastrous-results-in-local-elections/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-05-29|title=Spanish prime minister calls early general election after battering in regional vote|url=https://apnews.com/article/spain-politics-election-6f1aed3f8678feba0d098d4f86d11375|access-date=2023-08-26|work=Associated Press News|archive-date=4 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804033634/https://apnews.com/article/spain-politics-election-6f1aed3f8678feba0d098d4f86d11375|url-status=live}}</ref> As happened in the regional and local elections, the People's Party led by [[Alberto Núñez Feijóo]] won the [[2023 Spanish general election|election]], but he fell short of a majority to form a new conservative government.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2023-07-23|title=Spanish election: Sánchez holds off right surge|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/spanish-elections-sanchez-holds-off-right-surge/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=Politico|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826111022/https://www.politico.eu/article/spanish-elections-sanchez-holds-off-right-surge/|url-status=live}}</ref> In general, this was considered a victory for Sánchez, who still had a chance to renew its coalition government.<ref name=":1" />

After meeting with political parties represented in parliament,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Spain's king begins meeting parties to form new government|url=https://www.dw.com/en/spains-king-begins-meeting-parties-to-form-new-government/a-66592902|access-date=2023-08-26|publisher=Deutsche Welle|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826111022/https://www.dw.com/en/spains-king-begins-meeting-parties-to-form-new-government/a-66592902|url-status=live}}</ref> and after verifying that neither Sánchez nor Núñez Feijóo had a sufficient majority to form a government, on 22 August 2023 the king asked the winner of the elections, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, to form a government.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-08-22|title=Spain's king asks conservative leader Feijóo to form government|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-king-alberto-nunez-feijoo-form-government/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=Politico|archive-date=25 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825030536/https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-king-alberto-nunez-feijoo-form-government/|url-status=live}}</ref> As expected, Núñez Feijóo failed to gather enough support to govern and the Congress of Deputies rejected his candidacy.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-09-27|title=Spanish conservative leader loses first bid to become prime minister|url=https://www.euronews.com/2023/09/27/spanish-conservative-leader-loses-first-bid-to-become-prime-minister|access-date=2023-09-30|website=euronews|archive-date=25 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025065858/https://www.euronews.com/2023/09/27/spanish-conservative-leader-loses-first-bid-to-become-prime-minister|url-status=live}}</ref> Following new meetings with political parties on early October,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-09-29|title=El rey fija la ronda de consultas para el 2 y 3 de octubre|url=https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20230929/rey-ronda-consultas-investidura-octubre/2457163.shtml|access-date=2023-09-30|website=RTVE|language=es|archive-date=30 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930030116/https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20230929/rey-ronda-consultas-investidura-octubre/2457163.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> the king nominated acting prime minister Pedro Sánchez.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-10-03|title=Spain's king asks Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez to try to form a government|url=https://apnews.com/article/spain-government-sanchez-elections-b548c24cd8340085786839e5c55a5e6b|access-date=2023-10-03|work=Associated Press |archive-date=9 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009070715/https://apnews.com/article/spain-government-sanchez-elections-b548c24cd8340085786839e5c55a5e6b|url-status=live}}</ref> After obtaining the support of [[Sumar (electoral platform)|Sumar]] and the pro-independence and regionalist political parties, the Congress of Deputies re-elected Sánchez on 16 November 2023<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-11-16|title=Spain's parliament confirms Pedro Sánchez as prime minister|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/pedro-sanchez-confirmed-spain-prime-minister/|access-date=2023-11-16|website=Politico|archive-date=16 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116135144/https://www.politico.eu/article/pedro-sanchez-confirmed-spain-prime-minister/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the king swore in the new cabinet on 21 November 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-11-21|title=Sánchez se rodea de su núcleo duro para la nueva legislatura|url=https://es.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/11/21/los-ministros-de-pedro-sanchez-toman-posesion-en-un-gabinete-de-marcado-caracter-politico|access-date=2023-11-24|website=euronews|language=es|archive-date=23 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123203609/https://es.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/11/21/los-ministros-de-pedro-sanchez-toman-posesion-en-un-gabinete-de-marcado-caracter-politico|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 3 November 2024, King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Prime Minister Sánchez and Valencian president [[Carlos Mazón]] were violently confronted during a meeting with victims of the [[October 2024 Spain floods]] in [[Paiporta]] in the [[Valencian Community]], who threw mud and objects at them and injured two bodyguards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/spain-floods-king-protest-mud-a8525bd82cf4cc3fc6273d535cbb9d66 |work=[[Associated Press]] |first1=Joseph |last1=Wilson |first2=David |last2=Melero |title=Spain flood survivors hurl mud at the royals and top government officials |date=4 November 2024}}</ref> Although the Prime Minister had to be evacuated, the monarchs remained there listening to the complaints and requests of the residents.<ref>{{Cite web |work=Heraldo de Aragón |date=2024-11-03 |title=Los Reyes se quedan escuchando a los vecinos de Paiporta en medio de la tensión, mientras Sánchez es evacuado "por seguridad" |url=https://www.heraldo.es/noticias/nacional/2024/11/03/dana-paiporta-reyes-se-quedan-escuchando-vecinos-de-paiporta-pese-a-la-tension-barro-valencia-1774878.html |access-date=2024-11-05 |language=es}}</ref> After the incident, the visit to neighboring towns was postponed,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-03 |title=Aplazada la visita de los Reyes a Chiva tras los incidentes en Paiporta |url=https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-aplazada-visita-reyes-chiva-incidentes-paiporta-20241103151133.html |access-date=2024-11-05 |publisher=Europa Press}}</ref> but the Royal Household confirmed that they would return "in the next few days".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zarzuela prepara una nueva visita de los Reyes a Chiva (Valencia) "en los próximos días" |url=https://www.vozpopuli.com/espana/politica/zarzuela-prepara-nueva-visita-reyes-chiva-valencia-proximos-dias.html |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=Voz Populi |language=es}}</ref> The king returned to the region on November 12 to check the efforts of the Armed Forces in the disaster<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Belén Domínguez Cebrián |author2=Ignacio Zafra |date=2024-11-12 |title=El Rey vuelve a Valencia solo y como jefe de las Fuerzas Armadas |url=https://elpais.com/espana/2024-11-12/el-rey-vuelve-a-valencia-solo-y-como-jefe-de-las-fuerzas-armadas.html |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=El País |language=es}}</ref> and, in November 19, the monarchs resumed the visit canceled two weeks earlier.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-19 |title=El pueblo valenciano se resarce con los Reyes durante su visita a Utiel y Chiva, la 'zona cero' de la DANA |url=https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2024/11/19/673b3dc0fc6c83472e8b4593.html |access-date=2024-11-19 |website=ELMUNDO |language=es}}</ref>

===10th accession anniversary===

In 2024 Felipe marked his 10th anniversary of his accession and, for this occasion, the king renewed his motto: "''Servicio, compromiso y deber"'' (English: "Service, commitment and duty").<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-06-19|title="Servicio, compromiso y deber", el lema elegido por Felipe VI para celebrar diez años de reinado|url=https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20240619/servicio-compromiso-deber-lema-felipe-vi-celebrar-diez-anos-reinado/16153326.shtml|access-date=2024-06-19|website=RTVE|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-06-19|title=King Felipe VI marks 10 tough years on Spain's throne|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240619-king-felipe-vi-marks-10-tough-years-on-spain-s-throne|access-date=2024-06-19|publisher=France 24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-06-19|title=King Felipe VI celebrates 10 years as Spain's head of state|url=https://www.euronews.com/2024/06/19/king-felipe-vi-celebrates-10-years-as-spains-head-of-state|access-date=2024-06-19|website=euronews}}</ref> As was customary during his reign, it was announced that the events to celebrate this anniversary would be discreet.

The celebrations began in the [[Royal Palace of Madrid|Royal Palace]], when the royal family presided, from the interior balcony of the palace, over the [[Royal Guard (Spain)|Royal Guard]] changing.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-06-19|title=Relevo solemne de la Guardia Real en honor a Felipe VI|url=https://www.abc.es/espana/relevo-solemne-guardia-real-honor-felipe-20240619121329-nt.html|access-date=2024-06-19|website=Diario ABC|language=es}}</ref> Subsequently, and after greeting the citizens who approached the palace, the king presented the [[Order of Civil Merit]] to 19 anonymous citizens, each from a [[Spanish region]], as well as from the autonomous cities of [[Ceuta]] and [[Melilla]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-06-19|title=Felipe VI, Gran Maestre de la Orden del Mérito Civil, impone las condecoraciones a 19 españoles ejemplares|url=https://www.hola.com/realeza/20240619255715/reyes-leonor-sofia-condecoraciones-decimo-aniversario-proclamacion/|access-date=2024-06-19|website=HOLA|language=es}}</ref> This event ended with a lunch for the invited authorities and the recipients. Before the start of lunch, the [[Leonor, Princess of Asturias|Princess of Asturias]] and [[Infanta Sofía of Spain|Infanta Sofía]] surprised the king with an improvised speech to congratulate him on the anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-06-19|title=Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia surprise King Felipe with touching speech at 10th anniversary of monarch's coronation|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/694105/king-felipe-marks-historic-anniversary-queen-letizia-leonor-sofia/|access-date=2024-06-19|website=HELLO!}}</ref>

In the afternoon, the monarch's daughters visited the [[Royal Collections Gallery]] with 40 young people who, at some point, won the contest "What is a King to you?", organized annually by the [[Royal Household of Spain|Royal Household]] and two private foundations that promotes the monarchy.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Cote Villar|date=19 June 2024|title=La princesa Leonor, más glamourosa que nunca con un dos piezas con falda de estilo lencero y lentejuelas|url=https://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/casas-reales/2024-06-19/princesa-leonor-glamour-dos-piezas-lencero-lentejuelas_3906491/|access-date=19 June 2024|website=Vanitatis|language=es}}</ref> On this occasion, the monarchs surprised the attendees by attending the event when it was not planned.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-06-19|title=Los Reyes sorprenden a sus hijas y al grupo de jóvenes con el que visitaban las Colecciones Reales|url=https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-reyes-sorprenden-hijas-grupo-jovenes-visitaban-colecciones-reales-20240619214619.html|access-date=2024-06-20|publisher=Europa Press}}</ref>

To conclude the celebrations, public concerts were held in the Royal Palace, including one of the violinist [[Ara Malikian]], as well as a projection of images on the façade of the palace attended by the royal family.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-06-19|title=Los gestos de cariño de los Reyes y sus hijas durante el concierto de Ara Malikian en el Palacio Real|url=https://www.hola.com/realeza/casa_espanola/20240619699988/reyes-felipe-letizia-leonor-sofia-concierto-ara-malikian-palacio-real-gestos-carino/|access-date=2024-06-20|website=¡HOLA!|language=es}}</ref>

=== Sports ===
[[File:Felipe VI en la Final de la Copa del Rey de Rugby 2016 en Valladolid.jpg|thumb|Felipe VI presenting the King's Cup to the winners of the [[2016 Copa del Rey de Rugby]].]]
Felipe is a huge fan of sports and has attended hundreds of sports events since 1976, when he accompanied his father to a match between [[Real Madrid]] and [[Atlético de Madrid]] at the [[1976 Copa del Generalísimo final]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Relaño|first=Alfredo|date=2014-08-17|title=El Infante Felipe se declara atlético|language=es|work=El País|url=https://elpais.com/deportes/2014/08/17/actualidad/1408289215_125442.html|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=14 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014094052/https://elpais.com/deportes/2014/08/17/actualidad/1408289215_125442.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Simón|first1=Pedro|date=6 June 2014|title=Un atlético en la corte del Rey Felipe|language=es|trans-title=An Atlético in King Felipe's court|work=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|url=http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2014/06/06/5390c28a268e3ee4468b4584.html|access-date=16 February 2015|archive-date=12 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712020605/http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2014/06/06/5390c28a268e3ee4468b4584.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of the event, when asked by journalist about his favourite team, he said [[Atlético de Madrid]].<ref name=":0" /> He is also the club's honorary president since 2003.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gorgorni|first1=Evita|date=28 May 2016|title=Atlético de Madrid Trivia: 25 facts about the football club|url=https://www.uselessdaily.com/sports/atletico-de-madrid-trivia-25-fun-facts-aout-the-footbal-club/|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=27 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727115410/https://www.uselessdaily.com/sports/atletico-de-madrid-trivia-25-fun-facts-aout-the-footbal-club/#.WkqPmnVX7qB|url-status=live}}</ref> Besides football, he loves [[skiing]], [[Squash (sport)|squash]] and [[sailing]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-06-16|title=Las aficiones de Felipe VI|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/gente/realeza/20140616/54409990005/aficiones-felipe-vi.html|access-date=2023-08-26|website=La Vanguardia|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826082148/https://www.lavanguardia.com/gente/realeza/20140616/54409990005/aficiones-felipe-vi.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

As King of Spain, most of the sports have a tournament in his honor, ''Copa del Rey'' ({{Langx|en|King's Cup}}), which he normally attends and delivers the trophy to the winner. Also, since the reign of [[Alfonso XIII]] (1886–1931), the King exercises high patronage over the [[:Category:Sports governing bodies in Spain|sports federations]]. Most of them hold the title of "royal" granted by the ruling monarch; the latest federation to receive this honor was the [[Spanish Rugby Federation|Rugby Federation]] in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-07-04|title=El rey Felipe VI hace 'Real' al rugby|url=https://www.marca.com/rugby/2023/07/04/64a42f39ca4741aa0f8b4597.html|access-date=2023-10-08|website=Marca|location=Spain|language=es|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172436/https://www.marca.com/rugby/2023/07/04/64a42f39ca4741aa0f8b4597.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

It is also common for him to attend international sporting events in which Spanish clubs or Spanish national teams participate.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-05-18|title=El Rey se une al grito de ¡campeones!|url=https://www.hola.com/realeza/casa_espanola/2015051878798/rey-felipe-final-euroliga-baloncesto/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=HOLA|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826105210/https://www.hola.com/realeza/casa_espanola/2015051878798/rey-felipe-final-euroliga-baloncesto/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-06-03|title=El Rey asiste el domingo a la final de Roland Garros que jugará Nadal en París|url=https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-rey-asiste-domingo-final-roland-garros-jugara-nadal-paris-20220603190013.html|access-date=2023-08-26|publisher=Europa Press|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826082148/https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-rey-asiste-domingo-final-roland-garros-jugara-nadal-paris-20220603190013.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-07-17|title=Wimbledon champion makes King Felipe of Spain laugh in Royal Box: Watch|url=https://www.hola.com/us/royals/20230717348102/king-felipe-spain-laughs-wimbledon-winner-carlos-alcaraz/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=HOLA|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826082148/https://www.hola.com/us/royals/20230717348102/king-felipe-spain-laughs-wimbledon-winner-carlos-alcaraz/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Boren|first=Cindy|date=2022-05-29|title=UEFA says it will review pregame incidents at Champions League final|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/05/29/champions-league-final-chaos/|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cup|first=Rugby World|date=11 March 2018|title=King Felipe VI of Spain was in attendance at the @ferugby v @DRVRugby match earlier, seen here with the Webb Ellis Cup #RWC2019pic.twitter.com/J2IOXSNMOb|url=https://twitter.com/rugbyworldcup/status/972886387094704130|access-date=12 March 2018|website=@rugbyworldcup|time=10:26 AM|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308110354/https://twitter.com/rugbyworldcup/status/972886387094704130|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=October 2024}} If he cannot attend, it is common for him to be replaced by a member of the [[Spanish royal family|royal family]], such as [[Leonor, Princess of Asturias]] and [[Infanta Sofía]] in the [[UEFA Women's Euro 2022]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-07-16|title=Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía support Spain in the UEFA Women's Euro 2022|url=https://www.hola.com/us/royals/20220716334902/princess-leonor-infanta-sofia-support-spain-uefa-womens-euro-2022-1/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=HOLA|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826082151/https://www.hola.com/us/royals/20220716334902/princess-leonor-infanta-sofia-support-spain-uefa-womens-euro-2022-1/|url-status=live}}</ref> or [[Queen Letizia]] in the [[2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2023-08-17|title=Spain's Queen Letizia to attend World Cup final against England|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66535460|access-date=2023-08-26|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826082148/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66535460|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2017 terrorist attacks ===
{{Main|2017 Barcelona attacks}}
[[File:Mariano Rajoy asiste a la manifestación antiterrorista celebrada en Barcelona.jpg|thumb|Felipe VI, next to [[Ada Colau]], [[Carles Puigdemont]], [[Mariano Rajoy]], and [[Ana Pastor (politician)|Ana Pastor]], during the anti-terrorist demonstration that followed the [[2017 Barcelona attacks|August 2017 Barcelona attacks]]]]
{{Excerpt|2017 Barcelona attacks|paragraphs=1-2, 4|hat=no}}
{{Excerpt|2017 Barcelona attacks|Domestic|paragraphs=2-3|hat=no}}

=== International agenda ===
[[File:Mapa mundi viajes del rey Felipe VI.png|thumb|Official visits during his reign]]
Since his proclamation as king on 19 June 2014, Felipe VI has visited, {{As of|2024|7|lc=y|bare=}}, 57 sovereign countries on four continents, in 129 official visits abroad (The number of countries includes Puerto Rico, which has the status of "[[Commonwealth of the United States]]"). The first international trip was to the [[Vatican City]] on 30 June 2014, to meet with the Pope.<ref name=":3" /> The last one was to [[Montevideo]], Uruguay, on 28 February–1 March 2025,  to attend the inauguration of [[Yamandú Orsi]] as president of Uruguay.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-28 |title=El Rey se reunió con el presidente electo y el saliente en Uruguay |url=https://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2025/02/28/67c23c7421efa0dd608b458f.html |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=ELMUNDO |language=es}}</ref>

Most of his visits have been to European countries (22 countries in 71 visits), followed by American countries (19 countries in 36 visits), Asian (12 countries in 16 visits) and African (4 countries in 5 visits). He has never visited an Oceanian country as a king; as prince of Asturias, he visited Australia and New Zealand in 1990.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1990-06-23|title=Primera visita del príncipe de Asturias a Australia y Nueva Zelanda|language=es|work=El País|url=https://elpais.com/diario/1990/06/23/espana/646092010_850215.html|access-date=2023-08-28|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=28 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828133222/https://elpais.com/diario/1990/06/23/espana/646092010_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Ibero-America ====
[[File:01.01.2023 - Cumprimentos dos chefes de Estado e de Governo - 52622168124.jpg|thumb|King Felipe and Brazilian president [[Lula da Silva]] greeting during Da Silva's 2023 inauguration]]
Like his father did, Felipe VI has maintained an important presence and influence in the countries of Latin America, Portugal and Brazil. As King of Spain, he represents Spain in all the [[Ibero-American Summit]]s, normally calling for the "unity" of the region and the strengthening of relations with Spain and the [[European Union]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-03-25|title=Felipe VI llama a la "unidad" en Iberoamérica|url=https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20230325/felipe-vi-llama-unidad-america-latina-ve-oportunidad-presidencia-espana-ue/2433086.shtml|access-date=2023-08-26|website=RTVE|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826075231/https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20230325/felipe-vi-llama-unidad-america-latina-ve-oportunidad-presidencia-espana-ue/2433086.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-03-26|title=La histórica relación de la Corona con Iberoamérica|url=https://www.larazon.es/espana/historica-relacion-corona-iberoamerica_20230326641f9b6f079ac900019225ab.html|access-date=2023-08-26|website=La Razón|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826195205/https://www.larazon.es/espana/historica-relacion-corona-iberoamerica_20230326641f9b6f079ac900019225ab.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In this sense, Spain is also the main contributor to the [[Ibero-American General Secretariat]], headquartered in Madrid. This organization is mainly financed by Spain, with more than 60 per cent of the budget as of 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-10-19|title=España resta importancia a que no se rebaje su cuota para financiar la SEGIB|url=https://www.lainformacion.com/espana/espana-resta-importancia-a-que-no-se-rebaje-su-cuota-para-financiar-la-segib_GSUHxL7gATlDZ6n9Xaz533/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=La Información|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826075231/https://www.lainformacion.com/espana/espana-resta-importancia-a-que-no-se-rebaje-su-cuota-para-financiar-la-segib_GSUHxL7gATlDZ6n9Xaz533/|url-status=live}}</ref> Felipe VI has attended all the summits since he ascended the throne. For the 2021 Ibero-American summit in [[Andorra la Vella]], Felipe became the first Spanish monarch to visit neighbouring [[Andorra]], a principality whose co-prince is the Spanish Bishop of Urgell.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Los copríncipes de Andorra reciben con honores a los Reyes de España|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20210325/6606503/reyes-andorra-cooprincipes-visita-de-estado.html|date=2021-03-25|work=La Vanguardia|first=Mariángel|last=Alcázar|access-date=17 January 2024|archive-date=6 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206000900/https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20210325/6606503/reyes-andorra-cooprincipes-visita-de-estado.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Also, as he did as prince of Asturias, Felipe has kept the tradition of attending the inauguration of Latin American leaders. As of January 2024, he has attended more than 80 presidential inaugurations.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-01-15|title=El Rey concluye su viaje a Guatemala sin poder asistir a la toma de posesión de Bernardo Arévalo|url=https://www.abc.es/espana/casa-real/rey-concluye-viaje-guatemala-poder-asistir-toma-20240115143226-nt.html|access-date=2024-02-03|website=Diario ABC|language=es|archive-date=21 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221175226/https://www.abc.es/espana/casa-real/rey-concluye-viaje-guatemala-poder-asistir-toma-20240115143226-nt.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-01-14|title=Felipe VI, el firme puente de España con Iberoamérica|url=https://www.larazon.es/espana/felipe-firme-puente-espana-iberoamerica_2024011465a33a74872b82000130f612.html|access-date=2024-02-03|website=La Razón|language=es|archive-date=26 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126103428/https://www.larazon.es/espana/felipe-firme-puente-espana-iberoamerica_2024011465a33a74872b82000130f612.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===== Portugal =====
[[File:La reapertura de la frontera entre España y Portugal, Badajoz y Elvas, miércoles 1 de julio de 2020 (17).png|thumb|Relaxed talk between the heads of State and Government of Spain and Portugal in July 2020.|left]]
During the reign of Felipe VI, good relations between Spain and Portugal have continued. After his visit to the Vatican, Felipe dedicated his second foreign visit to Portugal, in July 2015.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=López|first=Virginia|date=2014-07-07|title=Felipe VI elige Portugal para su primera visita oficial porque "no podía ser de otra manera"|url=https://cadenaser.com/ser/2014/07/07/internacional/1404693921_850215.html|access-date=2023-10-08|website=Cadena SER|language=es|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172435/https://cadenaser.com/ser/2014/07/07/internacional/1404693921_850215.html|url-status=live}}</ref> There, he met with President [[Aníbal Cavaco Silva]] and Prime Minister [[Pedro Passos Coelho]], and stated that the relationship between the two countries was "not only the relationship of good neighbors, but of brother countries" and remembered that his grandfather, [[Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona]], chose Portugal to live while in exile.<ref name=":5" /> He also made it clear that he intended to keep the good relationship between the neighbor countries.<ref name=":5" />

After the election of [[Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa]] as new president of Portugal, he made his first official visit to a foreign country to Spain in March 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-03-17|title=El Rey Felipe recibe al presidente de Portugal en su primera visita a un país de la UE|url=https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-rey-felipe-recibe-presidente-portugal-primera-visita-pais-ue-20160317201332.html|access-date=2023-10-08|publisher=Europa Press|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172440/https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-rey-felipe-recibe-presidente-portugal-primera-visita-pais-ue-20160317201332.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The king, who had attended the inauguration of Rebelo de Sousa early that month,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-03-09|title=El Rey Felipe viaja hoy a Lisboa para la toma de posesión de Rebelo de Sousa|url=https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-rey-felipe-viaja-hoy-lisboa-toma-posesion-rebelo-sousa-20160309065940.html|access-date=2023-10-08|publisher=Europa Press|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172439/https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-rey-felipe-viaja-hoy-lisboa-toma-posesion-rebelo-sousa-20160309065940.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Portuguese leader, had established a very good relationship, being described as a true friendship.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Alberola|first=Miquel|date=2019-02-24|title=La gran amistad del Rey y el presidente portugués|language=es|work=El País|url=https://elpais.com/politica/2019/02/23/actualidad/1550946116_783619.html|access-date=2023-10-08|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172438/https://elpais.com/politica/2019/02/23/actualidad/1550946116_783619.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-12|title=El presidente de Portugal y Felipe VI confirman que son algo más que vecinos|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20210312/6374164/presidente-portugal-reitera.html|access-date=2023-10-08|website=La Vanguardia|language=es|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172435/https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20210312/6374164/presidente-portugal-reitera.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Reencontro de amigos: Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa recebe realeza espanhola|url=https://www.flash.pt/atualidade/nacional/detalhe/reencontro-de-amigos-marcelo-rebelo-de-sousa-recebe-realeza-espanhola|access-date=2023-10-08|website=flash.pt|language=pt-pt|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118023652/https://www.flash.pt/atualidade/nacional/detalhe/reencontro-de-amigos-marcelo-rebelo-de-sousa-recebe-realeza-espanhola|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to courtesy and institutional visits, it is very common to see both leaders in each other's countries as well as attending various events led by the other. Examples of this good relationship are the support that the Portuguese president gave to the king when the monarch was awarded with the [[World Peace & Liberty Award]] from the [[World Association of Jurists]] in 2018,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Alberola|first=Miquel|date=2019-02-21|title=El Rey: "No es admisible apelar a una supuesta democracia por encima del derecho"|language=es|work=El País|url=https://elpais.com/politica/2019/02/19/actualidad/1550585655_508262.html|access-date=2023-10-08|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172435/https://elpais.com/politica/2019/02/19/actualidad/1550585655_508262.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the private visit that Rebelo de Sousa made to Spain in 2020 to visit the [[Prado Museum]], and having a private lunch with the monarch at [[Zarzuela Palace]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-21|title=El rey almuerza con el presidente portugués en Zarzuela tras visitar el Prado|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20200721/482460598996/el-rey-almuerza-con-el-presidente-portugues-en-zarzuela-tras-visitar-el-prado.html|access-date=2023-10-08|website=La Vanguardia|language=es|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172436/https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20200721/482460598996/el-rey-almuerza-con-el-presidente-portugues-en-zarzuela-tras-visitar-el-prado.html|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as in 2021, when they were seen eating on a public terrace near the Royal Palace of Madrid.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-04|title=El Rey y el presidente de Portugal almuerzan en una terraza de la plaza Oriente de Madrid|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20210604/7506502/rey-presidente-portugal-comen-terraza-palacio-real-madrid.html|access-date=2023-10-08|website=La Vanguardia|language=es|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172436/https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20210604/7506502/rey-presidente-portugal-comen-terraza-palacio-real-madrid.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===== Cuba =====
From 11 to 14 November 2019, on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the city of [[Havana]] by the Spanish, Felipe and Letizia made a state visit to Cuba.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Isambard Wilkinson|date=2023-08-26|title=King Felipe and Queen Letizia visit Cuba in first for Spanish royal family|newspaper=[[The Times]]|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/royal-family/article/king-felipe-and-queen-letizia-visit-cuba-in-first-for-spanish-royal-family-5hs6xg7ll|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=0140-0460|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826182657/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/king-felipe-and-queen-letizia-visit-cuba-in-first-for-spanish-royal-family-5hs6xg7ll|url-status=live}}</ref> This was the fifth royal visit to the island after [[Infanta Eulalia of Spain|Infanta Eulalia, Duchess of Galliera]] in 1893, [[Alfonso, Prince of Asturias (1907–1938)|Infante Alfonso, Count of Covadonga]] in 1937, [[Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona]] in 1948 and [[King Juan Carlos]] in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-09|title=Los Borbones y su romance de más de un siglo con La Habana|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20191109/471468071023/los-borbones-y-su-romance-de-mas-de-un-siglo-con-la-habana.html|access-date=2023-08-26|website=La Vanguardia|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826182655/https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20191109/471468071023/los-borbones-y-su-romance-de-mas-de-un-siglo-con-la-habana.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, King Felipe's visit was the first state visit in history.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-12|title=El Rey pisa Cuba en una histórica visita de Estado|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20191112/471541425816/reyes-visita-estado-cuba-la-habana.html|access-date=2023-08-26|website=La Vanguardia|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826182656/https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20191112/471541425816/reyes-visita-estado-cuba-la-habana.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The visit was harshly criticized by the conservative opposition, as well as by the Cuban opposition and human rights associations which considered the visit a legitimization of the regime.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-12|title=Los Reyes cumplimentan con el régimen de Cuba enviados por el Gobierno en pleno pacto PSOE-Podemos|url=https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2019/11/12/5dcafb5321efa0f14a8b4620.html|access-date=2023-08-26|website=ELMUNDO|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826182655/https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2019/11/12/5dcafb5321efa0f14a8b4620.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Spanish monarchs, who were greeted with cheers by the Cubans,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-12|title='Viva Felipe!': Communist-run Cuba Welcomes Spanish King|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/americas_viva-felipe-communist-run-cuba-welcomes-spanish-king/6179272.html|access-date=2023-08-26|website=VOA|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826182657/https://www.voanews.com/a/americas_viva-felipe-communist-run-cuba-welcomes-spanish-king/6179272.html|url-status=live}}</ref> were also welcomed by Cuban president [[Miguel Díaz-Canel]] and his wife, [[Lis Cuesta Peraza]]. After signing some cooperation agreements and receiving the [[Baton (military)|baton]] of the city,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-13|title=La Habana entrega al Rey el bastón de mando|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20191113/471579379235/la-habana-entrega-rey-baston-mando-giraldilla.html|access-date=2023-08-26|website=La Vanguardia|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826182655/https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20191113/471579379235/la-habana-entrega-rey-baston-mando-giraldilla.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the royal couple walked through the streets of the Cuban capital and visit the most relevant monuments and buildings.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Viaje de Estado de Sus Majestades los Reyes a la República de Cuba|url=https://www.casareal.es/EN/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_viajes_detalle.aspx?data=827|access-date=2023-08-26|website=casareal.es|archive-date=2 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202094952/https://casareal.es/EN/Actividades/Paginas/actividades_viajes_detalle.aspx?data=827|url-status=live}}</ref> The next day, King Felipe awarded [[Eusebio Leal]] with the [[Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rodriguez|first=Olivia|title=Reyes de España entregan a Leal Spengler Orden Carlos III|url=http://www.opushabana.cu/index.php/62-tribuna-del-historiador/tribuna-del-historiador/5879-reyes-de-espana-entregan-a-leal-spengler-orden-carlos-iii|access-date=2023-08-26|website=opushabana.cu|language=es-es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826182656/http://www.opushabana.cu/index.php/62-tribuna-del-historiador/tribuna-del-historiador/5879-reyes-de-espana-entregan-a-leal-spengler-orden-carlos-iii|url-status=live}}</ref> a relevant Cuban historian who already held the grand crosses of the orders of [[Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise|Alfonso X, the Wise]] and [[Order of Isabella the Catholic|Isabella the Catholic]].

To conclude the trip, the monarchs traveled to [[Santiago de Cuba]] and visited the [[Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca]], where they paid homage to the fallen in the [[Cuban War of Independence]] (1895–1898) and [[Spanish–American War]] of 1898.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-14|title=Los Reyes rinden homenaje a los caídos españoles en Santiago de Cuba en 1898 al final de su viaje de Estado|url=https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-reyes-rinden-homenaje-caidos-espanoles-santiago-cuba-1898-final-viaje-estado-20191114231803.html|access-date=2023-08-26|publisher=Europa Press|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826182655/https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-reyes-rinden-homenaje-caidos-espanoles-santiago-cuba-1898-final-viaje-estado-20191114231803.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===== Mexico =====
[[File:Viaje de Estado del Rey de España a México (2015) (20).jpg|thumb|The King and Queen of Spain along with the Mexican president, [[Enrique Peña Nieto]], and his wife.]]
Felipe has had a good relationship with Mexico, coinciding in his first years of reign with president [[Enrique Peña Nieto]], who favored this relationship.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2013-10-19|title=El presidente Peña Nieto reafirma las buenas relaciones con España|language=es|work=El País|url=https://elpais.com/economia/2013/10/19/agencias/1382144909_904327.html|access-date=2023-08-28|issn=1134-6582|archive-date=28 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828205403/https://elpais.com/economia/2013/10/19/agencias/1382144909_904327.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mexico and Spain strengthen ties of friendship and confirm mutual interest in promoting the Spanish language|url=http://www.gob.mx/epn/prensa/mexico-and-spain-strengthen-ties-of-friendship-and-confirm-mutual-interest-in-promoting-the-spanish-language|access-date=2023-08-28|website=gob.mx|language=es|archive-date=29 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829082908/https://www.gob.mx/epn/prensa/mexico-and-spain-strengthen-ties-of-friendship-and-confirm-mutual-interest-in-promoting-the-spanish-language|url-status=live}}</ref> Felipe made a state visit to the North American country in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-06-30|title=Spain's King Felipe makes historic visit to Mexico|url=https://www.euronews.com/2015/06/30/spain-s-king-felipe-makes-historic-visit-to-mexico|access-date=2023-08-26|website=euronews|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826195208/https://www.euronews.com/2015/06/30/spain-s-king-felipe-makes-historic-visit-to-mexico|url-status=live}}</ref> However, things worsened with the rise to power of [[Andrés Manuel López Obrador]]. López Obrador was inaugurated as Mexican president in December 2018, an inauguration attended by the King,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-11-30|title=El Rey llega a México para asistir a la toma de posesión de López Obrador|url=https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-rey-llega-mexico-asistir-toma-posesion-lopez-obrador-20181130060525.html|access-date=2023-08-26|publisher=Europa Press|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826195205/https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-rey-llega-mexico-asistir-toma-posesion-lopez-obrador-20181130060525.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and from the beginning, the Mexican president expressed disapproval for what Spain and its companies represented.

At the beginning of 2019, the Mexican president asked Felipe VI for an apology on behalf of the Crown and Spain for the events that occurred during the [[Spanish conquest of the Americas]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-03-26|title=Mexico demands apology from Spain and the Vatican over conquest|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47701876|access-date=2023-08-26|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826195205/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-47701876|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Minder|first1=Raphael|last2=Malkin|first2=Elisabeth|date=2019-03-27|title=Mexican Call for Conquest Apology Ruffles Feathers in Spain. And Mexico.|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/27/world/americas/mexico-spain-apology.html|access-date=2023-08-26|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826195205/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/27/world/americas/mexico-spain-apology.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Royal Household of Spain|Royal Household]] did not respond to this request, forwarding the letter from the Mexican president to the Government. In a release, the Spanish government "firmly rejected" López Obrador's arguments and encouraged both governments to "work together" to "intensify the already existing relations of friendship and cooperation".<ref>{{Cite web|author1=Javier Lafuente|author2=Lucía Abellán |date=2019-03-26|title=Madrid rejects Mexico's demand for an apology over Spanish conquest|url=https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2019/03/26/inenglish/1553587549_240799.html|access-date=2023-08-26|website=EL PAÍS English|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826195205/https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2019/03/26/inenglish/1553587549_240799.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This request for an apology and the criticism for not answering has been reiterated by the Mexican president on various occasions between 2020 and 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-12|title=El presidente mexicano vuelve a reclamar a España que pida perdón por el "saqueo" de la conquista|url=https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/espana/2020/10/12/presidente-mexicano-vuelve-reclamar-espana-pida-perdon-saqueo-conquista/00031602514597549429765.htm|access-date=2023-08-26|website=La Voz de Galicia|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826195205/https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/espana/2020/10/12/presidente-mexicano-vuelve-reclamar-espana-pida-perdon-saqueo-conquista/00031602514597549429765.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-14|title=López Obrador critica a España por no pedir perdón por la Conquista: "Les faltó humildad"|url=https://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2021/07/14/60ef1c22fdddffd0aa8b45c9.html|access-date=2023-08-26|website=ELMUNDO|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826195208/https://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2021/07/14/60ef1c22fdddffd0aa8b45c9.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-12-16|title=López Obrador señala ahora al Rey Felipe VI por no contestarle una carta|url=https://www.elindependiente.com/internacional/2022/12/16/lopez-obrador-senala-rey-felipe-vi-por-no-contestarle-ucarta/|access-date=2023-08-26|website=El Independiente|language=es|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826195206/https://www.elindependiente.com/internacional/2022/12/16/lopez-obrador-senala-rey-felipe-vi-por-no-contestarle-ucarta/|url-status=live}}</ref>

After this incident, neither the Royal Family nor the King's Household have spoken about the issue or intervened in any way in the relations between Spain and Mexico, leaving it in the hands of the Government.

In 2024, incoming Mexican president [[Claudia Sheinbaum]] officially banned Felipe VI from attending her inauguration on 1 October, citing his failure to respond to López Obrador's letter. In response, the Spanish government said that it would boycott the event altogether.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-09-26|title=Mexico excludes Spanish king from president's swearing-in|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240925-mexico-excludes-spanish-king-from-president-s-swearing-in|access-date=2024-09-26|publisher=France 24}}</ref>

==== Gibraltar ====
{{Main|Status of Gibraltar}}
As King of Spain, Felipe has defended the historic claim of Spain over Gibraltar. In September 2014, he addressed the [[United Nations General Assembly]] for the first time and, although he made some reference to the territorial integrity of the states, he did not directly mention Gibraltar.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-09-24|title=El Rey Felipe VI reafirma el compromiso de la ONU con la integridad de los Estados|url=https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2014/09/24/5422e805268e3e37618b458b.html|access-date=2023-08-27|website=ELMUNDO|language=es|archive-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827055830/https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2014/09/24/5422e805268e3e37618b458b.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Two years later, in another speech at the UN General Assembly podium, the king referred to Gibraltar as the "only existing colony in European territory" and he invited the UK to "put an end to this anachronism with a agreed solution between our two countries that restores the territorial integrity of Spain and is beneficial for the population of the colony and Campo de Gibraltar".<ref>{{Cite web|author1=Miquel Alberola|author2=Marc Bassets |date=2016-09-21|title=In UN speech, Spanish king allays concerns over lack of government|url=https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2016/09/21/inenglish/1474443553_908677.html|access-date=2023-08-27|website=EL PAÍS English|archive-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827055833/https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2016/09/21/inenglish/1474443553_908677.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2017-07-11|title=Spanish royals' UK visit glosses over Brexit cracks|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40558218|access-date=2023-08-27|archive-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827055834/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40558218|url-status=live}}</ref>

The last time the King mentioned the Gibraltar dispute was on his state visit to the United Kingdom.

=====State trip to the UK=====
From 12 to 14 July 2017, the King and Queen of Spain made a state visit to the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web|title=Spanish state visit 2017|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/spanish-state-visit-2017|access-date=22 September 2022|publisher=[[gov.uk]]|date=12 July 2017|archive-date=20 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120192452/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/spanish-state-visit-2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="sv">{{cite news|title=The Spanish State Visit|newspaper=The Royal Family|url=https://www.royal.uk/spanish-state-visit|access-date=22 September 2022|publisher=[[British royal family]]|date=12 July 2017|last1=Goodey|first1=Emma|archive-date=8 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908134450/https://www.royal.uk/spanish-state-visit|url-status=live}}</ref> which had been postponed twice: the first in March 2016, due to the political crisis in Spain and the second in May 2017, due to the [[2017 United Kingdom general election|snap general election]] in Britain.

On Wednesday morning the 12th, [[Charles, Prince of Wales]], and [[Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall]], came to receive the King and Queen. From there, they proceeded to [[Horse Guards Parade]], where they were officially received by Queen [[Elizabeth II]] and [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]],<ref name="sv" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Spanish state visit 2017|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/spanish-state-visit-2017|access-date=22 September 2022|publisher=[[gov.uk]]|date=12 July 2017|archive-date=20 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120192452/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/spanish-state-visit-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> with military honours and ordnance salutes. The hymns of the two countries were played and the King reviewed the Guard formed there. Next, they moved to Buckingham Palace where they visited the Picture Gallery. In the afternoon Felipe went to the Parliament of the United Kingdom where he addressed a few words at the joint session and held an informal meeting with the leader of the Labour opposition, [[Jeremy Corbyn]]. During his speech before parliament, he mentioned the status of Gibraltar, saying that "I am certain that this resolve to overcome our differences will be even greater in the case of Gibraltar, and I am confident that through the necessary dialogue and effort our two governments will be able to work towards arrangements that are acceptable to all involved".<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Stewart|first1=Heather|date=2017-07-12|title=King of Spain reveals hopes for new Gibraltar 'arrangements'|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/12/king-of-spain-reveals-hopes-for-new-gibraltar-arrangements|access-date=2023-08-27|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827055833/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/12/king-of-spain-reveals-hopes-for-new-gibraltar-arrangements|url-status=live}}</ref> In the evening, the State Dinner, hosted by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in honor of the King and Queen of Spain, took place in the Gala Hall of [[Buckingham Palace]].

On Thursday the 13th, there was a Spanish-British business meeting (UK-SPAIN Business Forum) at [[Mansion House, London|Mansion House]], with the presence of the Mayor of the [[City of London]], [[Andrew Parmley]], and an important business delegation from both countries. Later, the party visited [[Westminster Abbey]] accompanied by [[Prince Harry]]. There, the King made an offering at the [[Tomb of the Unknown Warrior]]. At mid-morning, they went to the [[Spanish Embassy in London]], where they received representatives of the Spanish community in the capital and where, previously, they had held a brief meeting with the families of Ignacio Echeverría and Aysha Frade, murdered in the terrorist attacks in London. Later, the King visited [[10 Downing Street]], where he had a working lunch with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, [[Theresa May]], in which they discussed matters of bilateral interest. Thursday's day was completed with a gala dinner offered by the Mayor of London in honor of the King and Queen, at [[Guildhall]].

On Friday the 14th, Felipe and Letizia were officially bid farewell by Elizabeth and Philip, at the gates of Buckingham Palace. Subsequently, Felipe and Letizia moved to the [[Francis Crick Institute]], a biomedical research center that houses the largest individual biomedical laboratory in Europe.<ref>{{cite news|title=The King and Queen of Spain visit the Francis Crick Institute|url=https://www.crick.ac.uk/news/2017-07-14-the-king-and-queen-of-spain-visit-the-francis-crick-institute|access-date=22 September 2022|publisher=[[Francis Crick Institute]]|date=17 July 2017|archive-date=27 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027114620/https://www.crick.ac.uk/news/2017-07-14-the-king-and-queen-of-spain-visit-the-francis-crick-institute|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Francis Crick Institute Welcomes the King and Queen of Spain|url=https://www.labmate-online.com/news/news-and-views/5/francis-crick-institute/francis-crick-institute-welcomes-the-king-and-queen-of-spain/43612|access-date=22 September 2022|publisher=[[International Labmate Ltd]]|date=10 August 2017|archive-date=7 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007224007/https://www.labmate-online.com/news/news-and-views/5/francis-crick-institute/francis-crick-institute-welcomes-the-king-and-queen-of-spain/43612|url-status=live}}</ref> Later they went to Oxford to visit the Weston Library, where they were shown a manuscript of the Codex Mendoza, they saw a copy of a Ptolemy, with the coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs and an original copy of a first edition of ''Don Quixote''.<ref>{{cite news|title=King and Queen of Spain visit Oxford|url=https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-07-14-king-and-queen-spain-visit-oxford|access-date=22 September 2022|publisher=[[University of Oxford]]|date=14 July 2017|archive-date=22 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022135530/https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-07-14-king-and-queen-spain-visit-oxford|url-status=live}}</ref> At noon, Oxford University hosted a luncheon in his honour. To conclude, they held a meeting at Exeter College with representatives of the university's academic community, including professors, postgraduate students and doctoral students linked to Spain.

=== Jews ===
[[File:World Holocaust Forum 2020 group photo.jpg|thumb|Family photo of the international leaders who attended the Fifth World Holocaust Forum in 2020.|250x250px]]
Felipe, like his father before him, has supported the initiatives of Spanish institutions to normalize relations with the Jewish people and religion. In 1990, he awarded the [[Sephardic Jewish]] communities with the [[Prince of Asturias Award]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=1990-06-03|title=Spain Honoring Jews 500 Years After Expulsion|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/03/world/spain-honoring-jews-500-years-after-expulsion.html|access-date=2023-10-07|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172436/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/03/world/spain-honoring-jews-500-years-after-expulsion.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2015, the King hosted a solemn ceremony in the [[Royal Palace of Madrid|Royal Palace]] to celebrate the approval by the [[Cortes Generales]] and the subsequent sanction by the Sovereign of the law that granted [[Spanish nationality]] to the [[Sephardic Jews]] expelled from Spain in 1492 due to the [[Alhambra Decree]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-01-03|title=Spanish king welcomes Sephardic Jews back 'home,' says Spain missed them|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/spanish-king-welcomes-sephardic-jews-back-home-says-spain-missed-them|access-date=2023-10-07|publisher=Fox News|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172437/https://www.foxnews.com/world/spanish-king-welcomes-sephardic-jews-back-home-says-spain-missed-them|url-status=live}}</ref> At his speech, Felipe thanked the Sephardic Jews for preserving their language, ''[[Judaeo-Spanish|Ladino]]'', and for teaching their own children "to love this Spanish homeland". He also welcomed them "back home", adding that they had "returned home forever."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Alberola|first=Miquel|date=2015-12-02|title=Spanish king to Sephardic Jews: "How we missed you!"|url=https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2015/12/01/inenglish/1448979993_879941.html|access-date=2023-10-07|website=EL PAÍS English|archive-date=13 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172438/https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2015/12/01/inenglish/1448979993_879941.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Jewish associations thanked the gesture, declaring that they were no longer "Spaniards without a homeland."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jones|first=Sam|date=2019-10-02|title=132,000 descendants of expelled Jews apply for Spanish citizenship|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/02/132000-sephardic-jews-apply-for-spanish-citizenship|access-date=2023-10-07|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807080034/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/02/132000-sephardic-jews-apply-for-spanish-citizenship|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2020, the King attended the Fifth World Holocaust Forum at [[Jerusalem]]. Felipe, who claims the title of [[King of Jerusalem]] as one of the historic [[List of titles and honours of the Spanish Crown|titles of the Spanish crown]], was the only international leader to speak at the opening dinner.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|date=2020-02-23|title=King Felipe VI omits to apologize for expulsion of the Jews from Spain|url=https://www.jpost.com/opinion/king-felipe-vi-omits-to-apologize-for-expulsion-of-the-jews-from-spain-618283|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012004206/https://www.jpost.com/opinion/king-felipe-vi-omits-to-apologize-for-expulsion-of-the-jews-from-spain-618283|archive-date=12 October 2023|access-date=2023-10-07|website=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> In his speech, he stated that "there is no room for indifference in the face of racism, xenophobia, hatred and antisemitism"<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|date=2020-01-22|title=La visita de Felipe VI a Israel como rey de España... y de Jerusalén|url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/mundo/2020-01-22/la-visita-de-felipe-vi-rey-jerusalen-456_2423975/|access-date=2023-10-07|website=El Confidencial|language=es|archive-date=14 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014091716/https://www.elconfidencial.com/mundo/2020-01-22/la-visita-de-felipe-vi-rey-jerusalen-456_2423975/|url-status=live}}</ref> and that "forgetting the Holocaust would be extremely dangerous and an utter disrespect to the memory of the victims."<ref name=":4" />

On 9 October 2023, King Felipe condemned "with all firmness" the [[2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel|Hamas-led attack on Israel]], called for "doing everything possible to avoid greater suffering, destruction, hopelessness and the loss of more human lives" and affirmed that Spain "remains faithful to its commitment to peace and stability in the region".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-10-09|title=El rey Felipe VI condena 'con toda firmeza' los ataques terroristas contra Israel|url=https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5179996/0/rey-felipe-vi-condena-con-toda-firmeza-los-ataques-terroristas-contra-israel/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013172436/https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5179996/0/rey-felipe-vi-condena-con-toda-firmeza-los-ataques-terroristas-contra-israel/|archive-date=13 October 2023|access-date=2023-10-09|website=20minutos|language=es}}</ref> Later that month, during the 2023 [[Princess of Asturias Awards]] ceremony, Felipe referred to [[Gaza war|the ongoing conflict]] asking for unity to resolve it and recalled that in 1994, Israeli prime minister [[Yitzhak Rabin]] and Palestinian leader [[Yasser Arafat]] received the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation for their "effort to create conditions of peace in the region" after the [[Madrid Conference of 1991]] and the 1994 [[Oslo I Accord]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=González|first=Miguel|date=2023-10-20|title=El Rey advierte de que la solución a los problemas de España vendrá "de la unidad, nunca de la división"|url=https://elpais.com/espana/2023-10-20/el-rey-advierte-de-que-la-solucion-a-los-problemas-de-espana-vendra-de-la-unidad-nunca-de-la-division.html|access-date=2023-10-20|website=El País|language=es|archive-date=20 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020201440/https://elpais.com/espana/2023-10-20/el-rey-advierte-de-que-la-solucion-a-los-problemas-de-espana-vendra-de-la-unidad-nunca-de-la-division.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 January 2024, the King, in a meeting with the [[diplomatic corps]] in Spain, called for the release of [[Gaza war hostage crisis|war hostages]] and defended the "establishment of the [[Palestinian State]] next to Israel" to stop the "cycle of violence".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-01-11|title=Felipe VI pide 'el establecimiento del Estado palestino junto a Israel' para solucionar el conflicto en Gaza|url=https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2024/01/11/65a02c4021efa067368b45ae.html|access-date=2024-01-11|website=ELMUNDO|language=es|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111195337/https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2024/01/11/65a02c4021efa067368b45ae.html|url-status=live}}</ref>