Spain's new king was sworn in today and made his first official public appearance.

Prince Felipe officially became King Felipe VI of Spain, taking over after the suprise abdication of King Juan Carlos.

With his family looking on, the former king handed the royal sash to his son in a ceremony at the Zarzuela Palace.

He was then sworn in before Parliament.

Spain's new head of state will face a barrage of challenges

The country is struggling with high unemployment and a surging independence movement in wealthy Catalonia

He will also have to rebuild the monarchy's reputation after a wave of scandals.

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