36th Anniversary of the King’s Accession

On November 22nd, 1975 Juan Carlos I of Spain was proclaimed King before the Spanish Cortes.

The King, the Queen and their three children entered the royal dias before a packed Spanish Cortes. Also present were the King’s two sisters and other members of the extended Spanish Royal Family, who watched the historic events from another viewing gallery. His Majesty the King took the Oath whilst holding his hand on the Bible, before him on a cushioned stool lay the Spanish Regalia.

This was then followed by the playing of the national anthem and the King delivered an emotional first speech to the nation. The ceremony, which was less than an hour long, ended with shouts of “Viva el Rey! Viva España!”.

On November 27th, 1975 the King, the Queen and their three children attended a Religious Ceremony at the historic San Jerónimo el Real Church in Madrid, where ‘The Enthronement Mass or Mass of the Holy Spirit’ was celebrated by Cardinal Tarancón.

Both of the King’s sisters and his aunt, Infanta Alicia, were present, as were heads of state and royalty from all over the world including Princess Grace of Monaco, The Duke of Edinburgh, King Baudouin, Queen Fabiola and Prince Albert of Belgium, King Constantine II, Queen Anne-Marie and Princess Irene of Greece. The Presidents of Ireland, France and West Germany and the United States Vice President were also present.

Thousands of people had gathered outside the church and along the surrounding streets to cheer and greet the King and Queen as they left the church and proceeded to the Royal Palace in Madrid.

Click here to view a thread on the King’s accession.

Filed under Spain
Tagged Accession, Anniversary, Juan Carlos I of Spain.