The Cathedral of Saint Mary the Royal of the Almudena , commonly known as the Almudena Cathedral , is a Catholic cathedral in Madrid , Spain. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Madrid . Its construction began in 1883 and finished over a century later, when it was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993.
101-842: It is located opposite the Royal Palace and much of its final appearance was defined considering this regal surrounding. When the capital of Spain was transferred from Toledo to Madrid in 1561, the seat of the Church in Spain remained in Toledo and the new capital had no cathedral. Plans for a cathedral in Madrid dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena were discussed as early as the 16th century but even though Spain built more than 40 cities overseas during that century, plenty of cathedrals and fortresses,
202-699: A Berniniesque design by Filippo Juvarra and Giovanni Battista Sacchetti in cooperation with Ventura Rodríguez , Francesco Sabatini , and Martín Sarmiento . During the Second Spanish Republic the building was known as "Palacio Nacional". The interior of the palace is notable for its wealth of art and the use of many types of fine materials in the construction and the decoration of its rooms. It includes paintings by artists such as Caravaggio , Juan de Flandes , Francisco de Goya , and Diego Velázquez , and frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo , Corrado Giaquinto , and Anton Raphael Mengs . Many of
303-469: A Gothic revival cathedral. The cathedral seems to have been built on the site of a medieval mosque that was destroyed in 1083 when Alfonso VI reconquered Madrid. In 1946 Ramón González Barrón was appointed choirmaster at the cathedral. Construction was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War , and the site lay abandoned until 1950, when Fernando Chueca Goitia [ es ] adapted
404-460: A Neoclassical architect, to enlarge the building. Sabatini's original idea was to frame the Plaza de la Armería with a series of galleries and arcades, to accommodate various dependencies , by constructing two wings along the square. Only the extension of the southeast tower known as la de San Gil was completed. Sabatini also planned to extend the north side with a large wing that echoed the style of
505-588: A viola , two violoncello , and two violins by Stradivari . The ceiling fresco by A. G. Velazquez, depicts Gentleness accompanied by the Four Cardinal Virtues . The Chamber of the Infante Luis, Musical Instruments Room, has a ceiling fresco by Francisco Bayeu depicting Providence Presiding over the Virtues and Faculties of Man . Designed in 1748 by Sacchetti and Ventura Rodríguez ,
606-611: A "renewed monarchy for a new time". A few days later after this, Felipe and Letizia became the first Spanish monarchs to receive and recognize LGBT organisations at the Palace. Felipe also changed the protocol in order to allow people to take the oath of office without a crucifix or Bible. 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
707-530: A 16th-century image of the Virgen de la Almudena . Nearby along the Calle Mayor , excavations have unearthed remains of Moorish and medieval city walls. People buried at Almudena Cathedral include: [REDACTED] Media related to Almudena Cathedral at Wikimedia Commons Royal Palace of Madrid The Royal Palace of Madrid ( Spanish : Palacio Real de Madrid ) is the official residence of
808-904: A Royal Decree named Felipe as officer at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza . He began his military training there in September. He completed the first phase of his formation in October. In July 1986, he was promoted to Cadet Ensign. He was also named as Midshipman. In September 1986, he began his naval training at the Naval Military Academy in Marin ( Pontevedra ), joining the Third Brigade. In January 1987, he continued his naval training on board
909-629: A degree in law; he also completed several courses in economics. He completed his academic studies by obtaining a Master of Science in Foreign Service degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. , where he was the roommate of his cousin, Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece . As the heir to the throne, a carefully regulated and structured plan was laid out for Felipe's military training. In August 1985,
1010-475: 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, in which he condemned the actions of the referendum organizers for acting "outside the law", accusing them of "unacceptable disloyalty" and of "eroding
1111-479: 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 new elections being called in June. This marked the first time since the transition to democracy that an election was called under Article 99.5 of
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#17327651145351212-594: A greater approval than his father prior to his reign. On 23 June 2014, he appointed his private secretary since 1995, Jaime Alfonsín , as Private Secretary to the King. Two days later, he also appointed José Manuel de Zuleta y Alejandro , 14th duke of Abrantes , as Private Secretary to the Queen. On 18 July, the new king chaired his first meeting of the Council of Ministers . During his ascension speech, Felipe pledged
1313-512: A long southern façade between 1610 and 1636. Philip V of Bourbon renovated the royal apartments in 1700. The alcázar of the Habsburgs was austere in comparison to the Palace of Versailles where the new king had spent his childhood; and he began a series of redesigns mainly planned by Teodoro Ardemans and René Carlier, with the main rooms being redecorated by Queen Maria Luisa of Savoy and
1414-418: 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. According to an El Mundo newspaper poll, Felipe had
1515-508: A poll conducted in 2020, Felipe has moderately high approval ratings. Felipe was born at 12:45 ( CET ) on 30 January 1968, at Our Lady of Loreto Hospital at Madrid , being the third child and only son of Prince Juan Carlos of Spain and Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark . He was baptized on 8 February 1968 at the Palace of Zarzuela by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Madrid , Casimiro Morcillo, with water from
1616-646: A public demonstration . In addition to his official activities, Felipe serves as honorary president of several associations and foundations, such as the Codespa Foundation, which finances economic and social development in Ibero-America and other countries, and the Spanish branch of the Association of European Journalists, comprising outstanding communications professionals. Most noteworthy
1717-471: A result of the economic recession and hardships continuing to hamper Spain. 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 . While her husband was eventually sentenced to six years in prison, she was acquitted of all charges. In 2017, the Crown opened for
1818-525: A safe for the royal treasure and a habitual residence to the Trastámara monarchs in the late Middle Ages. Having endured substantial expansion works during the 16th century, the royal alcázar remained on the site until it burned down on 24 December 1734. A new palace was then built from scratch on the same site on behalf of the Bourbon dynasty . Construction spanned the years 1738 to 1755 and followed
1919-544: A television journalist who had been married previously. The following day, the Royal Household made official their engagement. According to the Royal House, they met in late 2002. The official hand petition was made on 6 November 2003 at the Royal Palace of El Pardo . Felipe proposed with a 16-carat diamond engagement ring with a white gold trim and gifted her with a pearl and sapphire necklace. Ortiz marked
2020-470: Is capped with a large balustrade . This was adorned with a series of statues of saints and kings, but these were relocated elsewhere under the reign of Charles III to give the building a more classical appearance. The restoration of the façade in 1973, which includes Sabitini's balcony of four Doric columns , returned some of Sachetti's sculptures. These include statues of the Aztec ruler Moctezuma II and
2121-461: Is composed of a single piece of San Agustin marble. Two lions grace the landing, one by Felipe de Castro and another by Robert Michel. The frescoes on the ceiling is by Corrado Giaquinto and depicts Religion Protected by Spain . On the ground floor is a statue of Charles III in Roman toga , with a similar statue on the first floor depicting Charles IV. The four cartouches at the corners depict
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#17327651145352222-400: Is curved and bordered by several cafes in the adjoining buildings. Although the plaza was part of Sacchetti's plan for the palace, construction did not begin until 1808 when King Joseph Bonaparte , who ordered the demolition of approximately 60 medieval structures, that included a church, monastery and royal library, located on the site. Joseph was deposed before construction was completed, it
2323-478: 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. It also noted that Felipe VI had paid tax on all his financial earnings. This amount makes him one of the least wealthy monarchs in the world , despite previous estimates of his father Juan Carlos I 's wealth being estimated between $ 2–2.3 billion. The elections in 2015 resulted in no party winning enough seats to form
2424-463: Is the Prince of Asturias Foundation, where he presides annually at the international awards ceremony of the highly prestigious Princess of Asturias Awards (formerly the Prince of Asturias Awards). Felipe was appointed a "UN-Eminent Person" by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in 2001, during its International Year of Volunteers , and continues to make contributions internationally towards enhancing
2525-544: 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 . The visit followed one by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía on 28 April. The king also established a difference between the 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
2626-640: The Battle of Mühlberg , and which was portrayed by Titian in his famous equestrian portrait housed at the Museo del Prado . Unfortunately, parts of the collection were lost during the Peninsular War and during the Spanish Civil War . Still, the armoury retains some of the most important pieces of this art in Europe and the world, including a shield and burgonet by Francesco and Filippo Negroli , one of
2727-658: The Constitution and to the King in the Spanish Parliament as required by the constitution, fully accepting his role as successor to the Crown . Felipe attended school at Santa María de los Rosales, which his daughters both attended. Felipe attended high school at Lakefield College School in Ontario , Canada , and studied at the Autonomous University of Madrid , where he graduated with
2828-523: The Constitution , wherein the initiative for issuing the dissolution of the Cortes belonged to the King and not to the Prime Minister. 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. The king swore in the new cabinet on 4 November 2016. On 3 October 2017, as huge protest rallies and
2929-669: The Council of Ministers began deliberations the following day on an 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. On 4 June, El País of Madrid reported that Felipe would indeed be proclaimed king on 18 June. Felipe ascended
3030-699: The Crown (although they do it occasionally). In July 2014, the king banned the royal family from working outside the Royal Household and he established an external audit made by the Office of the Comptroller General of the State . Following orders from the king, since 1 January 2015, the Spanish royal family cannot accept "expensive gifts" when "they exceed social or courtesy uses". In February 2015, Felipe announced he would cut his annual salary by 20% as
3131-639: The Expulsion of the Moors , by Diego Velázquez . Others, such as Las Meninas , were rescued by tossing them out the windows. Fortunately, many pieces were saved because shortly before the blaze the King ordered that much of his collection be moved to the Buen Retiro Palace . This fire lasted four days and completely destroyed the old alcázar, whose remaining walls were finally demolished in 1738. Italian architect Filippo Juvarra oversaw work on
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3232-598: The Jordan River . His full baptismal name, Felipe Juan Pablo Alfonso de Todos los Santos, consists of the names of the first Bourbon king of Spain ( Felipe V ), his grandfathers ( Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona , and King Paul of Greece ), his great-grandfather Alfonso XIII of Spain, and de Todos los Santos ("of all the Saints") as is customary among the Bourbons . His godparents were his paternal grandfather,
3333-523: The Marquess of Mariño , who was viewed unfavorably by the Royal Family due to her mother's cocaine addiction, and Norwegian model Eva Sannum [ no ] , who modeled underwear. Although there were some engagement rumors in the previous weeks, on 31 October 2003, a TV program called Con T de Tarde announced unexpectedly that the Prince of Asturias was dating Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano ,
3434-512: The Princess of Ursins in the style of French palaces. On Christmas Eve 1734, the alcázar was destroyed by a fire that originated in the rooms of the French painter Jean Ranc . Response to the fire was delayed due to the warning bells being confused with the call to mass. For fear of looting, the doors of the building remained closed, hampering rescue efforts. Many works of art were lost, such as
3535-641: The 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. The renunciation of the inheritance is a mere declaration of intent, since the Spanish Civil Code prevents accepting or rejecting an inheritance until
3636-586: The Spanish Armed Forces , holding the military rank of captain general , and also plays the role of the supreme representation of Spain in international relations. Felipe was born in Madrid during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco as the third child and only son of Prince Juan Carlos of Spain and Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark . Felipe was officially created Prince of Asturias in 1977, two years after his father became king. Felipe
3737-731: The Spanish royal family at the city of Madrid , although now used only for state ceremonies. The palace has 135,000 m (1,450,000 sq ft) of floor space and contains 3,418 rooms. It is the largest royal palace in Europe . The palace is owned by the Spanish state and administered by the Patrimonio Nacional , a public agency of the Ministry of the Presidency . The palace is on Calle de Bailén ("Bailén Street") in
3838-707: The training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano . In July, he was named as Student Ensign at the General Air Academy in Murcia . In September 1987, he began his air force training there where he learned to fly aircraft. In 1989, he was promoted to lieutenant in the Army, ensign in the Navy, and lieutenant in the Air Force. In 1992, he was promoted to captain in the Air Force. In 1993, he was promoted to lieutenant in
3939-596: The 19th century, Ferdinand VII , who spent many years imprisoned in the Château de Valençay , began the most thorough renovation of the palace. The aim of this redesign was to turn the old-fashioned Italian-style building into a modern French-style palace. However, his grandson Alfonso XII proposed to turn the palace into a Victorian-style residence. Alfonso's plans were designed by the architect José Segundo de Lema and consisted of remodeling several rooms, replacing marble floors with parquet, and adding period furniture. In
4040-627: The 2015 Senior Officials Act. This implies, on the one hand, a greater control of the Crown's finances, since the 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. 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 euros ( US$ 2.8 million). The Spanish royal palace stated that his wealth
4141-645: The Armed Forces, Felipe joined the Spanish Army in 1985. During the next two years, he completed his military training in the Navy and Air Force . After completing his civil and military studies, he undertook official duties representing his father in different social and institutional events, such as chairing charity foundations or attending inaugurations of Latin American leaders. At one of these events with
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4242-660: The Central Gardens are marked by a row of statues, popularly known as the Gothic kings — sculptures representing five Visigoth rulers and fifteen rulers of the early Christian kingdoms in the Reconquista . They are carved from limestone , and are part of a series dedicated to all monarchs of Spain . These were ordered for the decoration of the Palacio Real and were executed between 1750 and 1753. Engineers felt
4343-494: The Count of Barcelona, and his paternal great-grandmother, Queen Victoria Eugenie . Additionally, he is the third cousin once removed of King Harald V of Norway, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden , and second cousin once removed of King Charles III of the United Kingdom. Shortly after his birth Felipe was styled infante . The dictator Francisco Franco died just over two months before Felipe's eighth birthday, and Felipe's father ascended
4444-406: The Greek sailing team at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome (his mother as a substitute), and Felipe's father and sister were also Olympic sailors for Spain. Felipe's bachelor years were a source of interest to the Spanish press for several years. His name was linked with several eligible women, but only two notable girlfriends: Spanish noblewoman Isabel Sartorius, around 1989 to 1991, daughter of
4545-466: The Household as private counselor. Likewise, in April 2024 the king appointed a new private secretary to the Queen, State lawyer María Dolores Ocaña Madrid, replacing the duke of Abrantes . 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,
4646-432: The Inca emperor Atahualpa , works by Juan Pascual de Mena and Domingo Martínez, respectively. Representations of the Roman emperors Honorius , Theodosius I , and Arcadius by G.D. Olivieri, and Trajan by Felipe de Castro were placed in the Prince's courtyard. Flanking Sabatini's clock the Statues of Philip V, Ferdinand VI , Barbara of Braganza and Maria Luisa of Savoy interspersed with The Rising Sun Following
4747-426: The Navy and captain in the Infantry of the Army. Further promotions in 2000 were commandant in the Army, corvette captain in the Navy, and commandant in the Air Force. Promotions in 2009 were lieutenant colonel in the Army, frigate captain in the Navy, and lieutenant colonel in the Air Force. Since 19 June 2014, after his ascension to the throne, he acquired the rank of Captain General ( Commander-in-chief ) of all
4848-403: The Plaza de Oriente, in order to give a better view of the Royal Palace. A decade later Segundo de Lema added a staircase to the original design of Fernández, which led to the idea of Francisco de Cubas to give more importance to the emerging church of Almudena. The Plaza de Oriente is a rectangular park that connects the east façade of Palacio Real to the Teatro Real . The eastern side of plaza
4949-400: The Plaza de la Armería was used for many decades as anteplaza de armas. Sachetti tried to build a cathedral to finish the cornice of the Manzanares , and Sabatini proposed to unite this building with the royal palace, to form a single block. Both projects were ignored by Charles III. Ángel Fernández de los Ríos in 1868 proposed the creation of a large wooded area that would travel all around
5050-402: The Royal Palace contains approximately twenty thousand articles ranging from the Disastrous decade (1823-1833) to the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931. In addition, it holds some scores of musicians of the Royal Chapel, privileges of various kings, the founding order of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial , the testament of Philip II and correspondence of most of
5151-429: The Royal Palace. Geometrically sited between its rides, there are several fountains. The Republican government constructed the gardens to return the area from control of the royal family to the people, the public was not allowed in the gardens until 1978 when they were opened by King Juan Carlos I . Built by Sabatini in 1789 when Charles IV wanted it moved to the opposite side of where Sabatini placed it in 1760, it
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#17327651145355252-412: The Seven Planets, Satyr , Germanicus , and four Medici lions flanking the dual throne. Charles III's Anteroom (Saleta) contains a 1774 ceiling fresco Apotheosis of Trajan by A.R. Mengs. The Antechamber of Charles III (The Conversation Room) also contains a ceiling fresco by Anton Raphael Mengs , The Apotheosis of Hercules . This room has four royal family portraits by Goya . Formerly
5353-525: The Spanish armies ( Army , Navy and Air Force ). During the 2016 Pascua Militar , the Chief of the Defence Staff, Fernando García Sánchez , on behalf of the Armed Forces , gifted the monarch with a personalized command baton , which symbolizes the loyalty of the armies to the king and the command he has over them. The piece, made by some jewelers from León , is made of cherry wood and the tips are adorned with silver pieces. Felipe speaks Spanish , Catalan , French , English and some Greek . Felipe
5454-447: The Spanish language abroad. He frequently represents Spain at world economic and trade events (e.g. Expotecnia, Expoconsumo, and Expohabitat), and is especially interested in promoting the creation of Centres and University Chairs to advance the study of Spain both historically and in the present-day at major foreign universities. Following the March 2004 Madrid bombings , Felipe, along with his sisters Elena and Cristina , took part in
5555-408: The Zodiac . Above the clock is the royal coat of arms flanked by angels, and, above that, bells that date from 1637 and 1761. The square as it exists now was laid-out in 1892, according to a plan by the architect Enrique María Repullés . However, the history of this square dates back to 1553, the year in which Philip II ordered a building to house the royal stables. The Almudena Cathedral faces
5656-436: 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". 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
5757-421: The area occurred under King Philip IV, who built fountains and planted various types of vegetation, but its overall look remained largely neglected. During the construction of the palace various landscaping projects were put forth based on the gardens of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso , but lack of funds hampered further improvement until the reign of Isabella II who began work in earnest. Following
5858-459: The best in the world and consists of pieces as early as the 13th century. This collection of weapons and armor once worn by kings and their top soldiers. The building, designed by J.S. de Lema and E. Repulles , was opened in 1897 The collection highlights the tournament pieces made for Charles V and Philip II by the leading armourers of Milan and Augsburg . Among the most remarkable works are full armour and weapons that Emperor Charles V used in
5959-399: The building suffered severe damage. The only drawing of the castle from the Middle Ages is one from 1534 by Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen . Emperor Charles V , with the architects Alonso de Covarrubias and Luis de Vega , extended and renovated the castle in 1537. Philip II made Madrid his capital in 1561 and continued the renovations, with new additions. Philip III and Philip IV added
6060-493: The calle de Bailén and the cuesta de San Vicente. The garden follows the symmetrical French design and work began in 1933, under the Republican government. Although they were designed by Zaragozan architect Fernando García Mercadal, they were named for Francesco Sabatini who designed the royal stables that previously occupied this site. These gardens feature a large rectangular pond which is surrounded by four fountains and statues of Spanish kings which were originally intended to crown
6161-402: The cathedral. The Neo-Gothic interior is uniquely modern, with chapels and statues of contemporary artists, in heterogeneous styles, from historical revivals to "pop-art" decor. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel features mosaics by Fr. Marko Ivan Rupnik . The icons in the apse were painted by Kiko Argüello , artist and founder of the Neocatechumenal Way . The Neo-Romanesque crypt houses
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#17327651145356262-408: The chapel features ceiling frescoes by Giaquinto, including The Trinity , Allegory of Religion , Glory and the Holy Trinity Crowning the Virgin . Above the High Altar is Ramon Bayeu 's St. Michael . The reliquary altar has Ercole Ferrata 's 1659 silver relief Pope Leo I Stopping Attila at the Gates of Rome . Formerly the apartment of Alfonso XIII's mother, Maria Christina of Austria ,
6363-411: The cost of expanding and keeping the Empire came first and the construction of Madrid's cathedral was postponed. The building was designed by Francisco de Cubas . The original plan had been to create a parochial church. The foundation stone was laid in 1883, but when Pope Leo XIII granted a bull in 1885 for the creation of the Madrid-Alcalá bishopric, the plans for the church were changed to that of
6464-418: The death of the person who bequeaths takes place. 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. After this controversy, in April 2022 the Council of Ministers approved a Royal Decree elaborated by the Royal Household that puts the King's house completely under the 2013 Transparency Act and
6565-474: The elements of water, earth, air and fire. The Royal Library was moved to the lower floor during the regency of Maria Christina . The bookshelves date from the period of Charles III, Isabella II and Alfonso XII. Highlights of the collection include the Book of hours of Isabella I of Castile , a codex of the time of Alfonso XI of Castile , a Bible of Doña María de Molina and the Fiestas reales , dedicated to Ferdinand VI by Farinelli . Also important are
6666-593: 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 . The public can enjoy the gardens as long as the royal family is not there. 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 . Villarino replaced Jaime Alfonsín , private secretary to Felipe for almost 30 years, both as prince and king. Alfonsin remains in
6767-530: 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. Reactions to Felipe's speech were mixed. Party officials from the PP , PSOE and Ciudadanos acclaimed the King's "commitment to legality" and the "defense of the Constitution, the [regional] Statute , the rule of law and the territorial integrity of Spain", whereas leaders from Unidos Podemos and Catalunya en Comú criticized it as "as unworthy as it
6868-425: The importance of voluntary work. Felipe is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution due to his patriot ancestor Charles III of Spain . Later in 2019, as King, he received the World Peace & Liberty Award from the World Jurist Association at the World Law Congress in Madrid. On 2 June 2014, King Juan Carlos announced his intent to abdicate in Felipe's favor. As required by the Constitution of Spain ,
6969-402: The king as Apollo . An 1878 bronze statue of Charles V Vanquishing Fury is by Ferdinand Barbedienne . The bronze chandeliers were made in Paris in 1846, and installed by Isabella II for her balls. The Throne Room dates from Charles III in 1772, and features Tiepolo's ceiling fresco, The Apotheosis of the Spanish Monarchy . Bronze sculptures include the Four Cardinal Virtues , four of
7070-410: The kings of the House of Bourbon . During the reign of Philip II the Royal Pharmacy became an appendage of the royal household and ordered the supply of medicines, a role that continues today. The collection includes jars made in La Granja de San Ildefonso, 19th century, and Talavera de la Reina pottery , 18th century. Along with the Imperial Armoury of Vienna , the armoury is considered one of
7171-414: The late Duchess of Badajoz : The Duchess of Soria and Hernani The Duke of Soria and Hernani The Dowager Duchess of Calabria Felipe VI ( Spanish: [feˈlipe ˈseksto] ; Felipe Juan Pablo Alfonso de Todos los Santos de Borbón y Grecia; born 30 January 1968) is King of Spain . In accordance with the Spanish Constitution , as monarch, he is head of state and commander-in-chief of
7272-474: The main building and included three square courtyards that would be smaller than the large central courtyard. Work on this expansion started quickly but was soon interrupted, leaving the foundations buried under a platform on which the royal stables were later built. The stables were demolished in the 20th century and replaced by the Sabatini Gardens . Charles III first occupied the palace in 1764. In
7373-537: The maps kept in the library, which analyze the extent of the kingdoms under the Spanish Empire . Also on display a selection of the best medals from the Royal Collection. The bookcovers demonstrate evolution of binding styles by era. Examples in the holdings include Rococo in gold with iron lace, Neoclassical in polychrome and Romantic with Gothic and Renaissance motifs. The Archives of
7474-467: The most famous designers in the armourers' guild. The Halberdier's Room , or Guard Room, was designed by Sabatini, and includes the fresco by Tiepolo , Venus and Vulcan . Two paintings by Luca Giordano depict scenes from the life of Solomon . The Hall of Columns has a ceiling fresco by Giaquinto, representing The Sun before Which All the Forces of Nature Awaken and Rejoice , an allegory of
7575-600: The new palace and devised a lavish project inspired by Bernini's plans for the Louvre . Initially Juvarra wanted to build the palace in another location, however, the idea was discarded. His disciple Giambattista Sacchetti, also known as Juan Bautista Sacchetti or Giovanni Battista Sacchetti , was chosen to continue the work of his mentor. Sacchetti designed the structure to encompass a large square courtyard and resolved sightline problems by creating projecting wings. In 1760, Charles III called upon Sicilian Francesco Sabatini ,
7676-568: The occasion by giving him white gold and sapphire cufflinks and a classic book, El doncel de don Enrique el doliente by Mariano José de Larra . The wedding, which was officiated by the archbishop of Madrid and president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference , Antonio María Rouco Varela , took place on the morning of 22 May 2004 in the Almudena Cathedral , with representatives of royal families from all over
7777-645: The paintings at some time hung in the palace as part of the Spanish royal collection are exhibited elsewhere, especially in the Prado Museum and the Royal Collections Gallery , both in Madrid. Other collections of great historical and artistic importance preserved in the building include the Royal Armoury of Madrid , porcelain, watches, furniture, silverware, and the world's only complete Stradivarius string quintet. The palace
7878-513: The palace across the plaza. Its exterior is neo-classical to match its surroundings while its interior is neo-gothic. Construction was funded by King Alfonso XII to house the remains of his wife Mercedes of Orléans . Construction of the church began in 1878 and concluded in 1992. Narciso Pascual Colomer , the same architect who crafted the Plaza de Oriente , designed the layout of the plaza in 1879, but failed to materialize. The site now occupied by
7979-486: The plans of de Cubas to a baroque exterior to match the grey and white façade of the Palacio Real that stands directly opposite. The cathedral was completed in 1993, when it was consecrated by Pope John Paul II . Its patron saints are Santa María la Real de la Almudena and Saint Isidro Labrador . On 22 May 2004, the marriage of King Felipe VI , then crown prince, to Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano took place at
8080-575: The press, Felipe met TV news journalist Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano , whom he married in 2004. They have two daughters, Leonor and Sofía . Felipe ascended the throne on 19 June 2014 upon the abdication of his father . His reign has been marked by his condemnation of the Catalan independence referendum that led to the 2017–18 Spanish constitutional crisis , the COVID-19 pandemic , and moves towards greater transparency in royal affairs. According to
8181-872: The queen's apartments under Charles III, the three rooms were converted into a banquet hall by Alfonso XII in 1879, and completed in 1885. The three ceiling frescoes remained though, Dawn in Her Chariot by Anton Raphael Mengs , Christopher Columbus Offering the New World to the Catholic Monarchs by Alejandro González Velázquez , and Boabdil Giving the Keys to Granada to the Catholic Monarchs by Francisco Bayeu y Subías . These rooms were formerly occupied by Infante Luis, Count of Chinchón before his exile. The Stradivarius Room now contains
8282-436: The room contains Charles III's throne, scepter and crown. Tapestries from Jacopo Amigoni 's Four Seasons adorn the walls. Also of note are the abdication speech of Juan Carlos I and the proclamation speech of Felipe VI . The wedding banquet of Prince Felipe and Letizia Ortiz took place on 22 May 2004 in the central courtyard of the palace. Felipe VI King Juan Carlos I Queen Sofía Children of
8383-402: The route being changed every few months. An admission fee is charged; however, at some times it is free. The main façade of the palace, the one facing the Plaza de la Armeria, consists of a two-story rusticated stone base, from which rise Ionic columns on Tuscan pilasters framing the windows of the three main floors. The upper story is hidden behind a cornice which encircles the building and
8484-652: The statues were too heavy for the palace balustrade, so they were left on ground level where their lack of fine detail is readily apparent. The remainder of the statues are in the Sabatini Gardens. Isabel II laid out the grounds so that Pietro Tacca 's equestrian statue of Philip IV was placed in the center, opposite the Prince's Gate. These gardens are so named because the Muslim leader Ali ben Yusuf allegedly camped here with his troops in 1109 during an attempted reconquest of Madrid. The first improvements to
8585-631: The taste of the times, the park was designed in the Romanticist style. The Triton fountain from the Islet Garden of Aranjuez and the Fountain of the Shells from the Palace of Infante don Luis at Boadilla del Monte were aligned in the center of the right angled pathways by Isabel II, according to plans by Narciso Pascual Colomer . Under the regency of Maria Christina of Austria , the park
8686-611: 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. The next morning, after receiving the Captain General 's sash from his father (symbolizing the transfer of royal and military power), 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. Upon his accession, he became
8787-399: The throne, as the latter had been appointed as Prince of Spain back in 1969. In his first official appearance, Felipe attended his father's proclamation as king on 22 November 1975. In 1977, Felipe was formally proclaimed Prince of Asturias . In May, nine-year-old Felipe was made an honorary soldier of the 1st King's Inmemorial Infantry Regiment . The occasion was marked on 28 May and
8888-427: The throne, hosting many official events in Spain and participating in all events of different sectors and aspects of Spanish public life. Since October 1995, Felipe has represented the Crown on a series of official visits to the Spanish regions , starting with Valencia. Felipe has held regular meetings with constitutional bodies and state institutions keeping up-to-date with their activities. He also attends meetings of
8989-410: The twentieth century, restoration work was needed to repair damage suffered during the Spanish Civil War , by repairing or reinstalling decoration and decorative trim and replacing damaged walls with faithful reproductions of the originals. The palace is now open to the public, except during state functions, although it is so large that only a selection of rooms are on the visitor route at any one time,
9090-630: The various bodies of the General State Administration and of the Autonomous Communities Administrations as required by his national and international constitutional obligations. In particular, he has held meetings with people of his generation who have built successful careers in political, economic, cultural and media circles. As part of his military training, Felipe trained as a military helicopter pilot. On occasions when King Juan Carlos I
9191-531: The western part of downtown Madrid, east of the Manzanares River , and is accessible from the Ópera metro station . Felipe VI and the royal family do not reside in the palace, choosing instead the Palace of Zarzuela in El Pardo . The palace is on the site of a bygone Muslim-era fortress constructed by Emir Muhammad I of Córdoba in the 9th century. The imposing Alcázar of Madrid provided both
9292-526: The world and most heads of state from Latin America present. In Spain alone, the royal wedding was watched by more than 25 million viewers, the most watched television event in the history of Spanish television . Felipe and Letizia have two daughters: Leonor, Princess of Asturias (born 31 October 2005) and Infanta Sofía (born 29 April 2007). Both were born at Ruber International Hospital in Madrid . Felipe undertook his constitutional duties as heir to
9393-462: The youngest monarch in Europe, being nine months younger than King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands . 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
9494-672: Was a member of the Spanish Olympic sailing team at the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona . Felipe took part in the opening ceremony as the Spanish team 's flag bearer. The Spanish crew finished in sixth place in the Soling class and obtained an Olympic diploma . He is an honorary member of the International Soling Association . Both his mother and uncle, King Constantine II of Greece , were on
9595-740: Was attended by the king, the prime minister and several other ministers in a ceremony at the infantry's barracks. On 1 November the same year, he was ceremoniously paid homage as Prince of Asturias in Covadonga . In 1981 Felipe received the Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece from his father, the Chief and Sovereign of the Order. On his 18th birthday on 30 January 1986, Felipe swore allegiance to
9696-723: Was finished by Queen Isabella II who tasked architect Narciso Pascual Colomer with creating the final design in 1844. Pathways divide the Plaza into three main plots: the Central Gardens, the Cabo Noval Gardens and the Lepanto Gardens. The Central Gardens are arranged in a grid around the central monument to Philip IV , following the Baroque model garden. They consist of seven flowerbeds, each bordered with box hedges and holding small cypress, yew and magnolias and annual flowers. The north and south boundaries of
9797-663: Was formally proclaimed as prince in 1986. He was also made honorary soldier of the Spanish Army at the age of 9. Felipe was educated at Santa María de los Rosales School and went to Lakefield College School in Canada. Later, he studied law at the Autonomous University of Madrid and he obtained a Master of Science in Foreign Service degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. To prepare for his future role as commander-in-chief of
9898-541: Was initially built by Muhammad I, Umayyad Emir of Cordoba , between 860 and 880. After the Moors were driven out of Toledo in the 11th century, the castle retained its defensive function. Henry III of Castile added several towers. His son John II used it as a royal residence. During the War of the Castilian Succession (1476) the troops of Joanna la Beltraneja were besieged in the alcázar, during which
9999-470: Was irresponsible", paving the way for a harsh intervention of the Catalan autonomy. However, some PSOE leaders were upset that the King had not made any call to understanding or dialogue between the Spanish and Catalan governments. After the speech, where Felipe ordered the "legitimate powers of the State" to ensure "constitutional order", the Spanish government started the process to apply article 155 of
10100-521: Was reformed according to Ramon Oliva's Romantic-style plans. Between the Fountain of Tritons and the palace is The Large Cavern or Grotto (Camellia House), built by Juan de Villanueva during the reign of Joseph Bonaparte . Sacchetti's 1757-1758 Little Cavern or Grotto (Potato Room) is in front of the Parade Ground. The Sabatini Gardens adjoin the north side of the Palacio real and extend to
10201-665: Was unable to attend, Felipe presided over the annual presentation of dispatches to officers and non-commissioned officers in the Armed Forces as well as participating in military exercises held by the three Armed Services. Since January 1996, Felipe has represented Spain at many Latin American presidents' inauguration ceremonies. As Prince, he visited every country in Latin America except Cuba, which he visited as King in 11–14 November 2019. He made over 200 foreign trips in total. Felipe has also played an active role in promoting Spain's economic, commercial and cultural interests and
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