Spain's King Felipe VI praises 'unity and diversity' on 10th coronation anniversary

The Spanish King Felipe VI has praised the "solidarity, unity, and diversity" of the Constitution during an institutional event to celebrate his 10th anniversary since his coronation on June 19, 2014.

During his speech, he said that his bet on "coherence and integrity" has had great personal costs.

"I have obeyed the constitution and its values and will continue obeying during my responsibilities," Felipe VI said during a speech after handing over the Civil Medals to citizens of all Spanish regions.

The event to commemorate the 10th anniversary started when King Felipe VI arrived with Queen Letícia, princess Leonor, and princess Sofía at Madrid's Royal Palace on two black Rolls-Royce.

The monarchs were greeted with applause and the Spanish anthem, and once there, they appeared on the palace's balcony to follow the Royal Guard change of guard.

Six planes overflown the area while painting the Spanish flag in the sky.

Second most visited territory

Since Spain's King Felipe VI handed the Girona Prince Foundation awards on June 26, 2014, the Spanish monarchs have visited Catalonia dozens of times. That was his first event after his coronation ten years ago.

During this decade, the Borbones family has made over 150 appearances in Catalonia, just behind Madrid, with around 2,000 acts.

In 2014, in Girona, Felipe VI had to face a pro-republican demonstration, something which continued on during the following years. However, the tone has been calmer recently, as, since 2022, the monarchs have visited Catalonia more times than in the five previous years combined.