Spain welcomes new king

Spain's new king appears before the nation for the first time

Prince Felipe officially became King Felipe VI of Spain at midnight on Wednesday.

He takes over after the suprise abdication of King Juan Carlos

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

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

For now these issues can wait

Today is about pomp and ceremony,

Most of these Spaniards lining the street appeared to wish their new king well.