Felipe VI calls the Princess of Asturias to always be guided by the Constitution

USPA NEWS - The King of Spain, Felipe VI, celebrated his 50th birthday on Tuesday with an institutional act in which he imposed on the Princess of Asturias, heir to the Throne, the Golden Fleece, the highest distinction that the Spanish Royal House can bestow. The act has a great significance, since it supposes for the House of Bourbon to assure the continuity of the dynasty.

The event, held at the Royal Palace of Madrid, was attended by the Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy; the Knights of the Order of the Golden Fleece Javier Solana, former head of the European Union's foreign policy; the linguist Victor Garcia de la Concha and the former president of the World Bank Enrique Iglesias Garcia, in addition to seventeen children, one for each Spanish region, winners in their respective territories of the contest "What is a king for you?". Also attended by Queen Letizia and the Infanta Sofía, younger sister of the Princess of Asturias. Leonor de Bourbon receives the Golden Fleece at the age of 12.

"I have chosen to share with you this special day to highlight, with the greatest solemnity and symbolism, our personal and institutional commitment to Spain," said the King. "A commitment that has its roots in the history of Spain, which updates and gives full democratic validity to the Constitution of 1978, approved by the Spanish people, and which is renewed day by day with dedication and spirit of service, with loyalty and responsibility," he added.

The Insigne Order of the Golden Fleece was born in the old Duchy of Burgundy in the Late Middle Ages and more than 500 years ago it was integrated into the Crown of Spain with the Habsburg dynasty. With the Spanish Monarchy, the Golden Fleece achieved great prestige and international projection. It was created to reward the values “‹“‹of excellence, service and loyalty. Throughout history, the Order of the Golden Fleece has been a reference of the European projection of Spain.

King Felipe VI pointed out to his first-born that "you must respect others, their ideas and beliefs; and you will love the culture, the arts and the sciences, because they give us the best human dimension to be better and help to progress in our society. You will be guided permanently by the Constitution, fulfilling and observing it; you will serve Spain humbly and aware of your institutional position. And you will make yours all the worries and joys, all the wishes and feelings of the Spaniards."

"Today, Leonor," the monarch added, "you take a symbolic and very significant step for your preparation and your future on that road that began on June 19, 2014, when, following the constitutional provision, you were called to assume dignity of Princess of Asturias and the other titles traditionally linked to the successor of the Crown of Spain." And he said: "Your actions should be guided by the greater sense of dignity and exemplarity, by honesty and integrity, by the capacity for renunciation and sacrifice, by the permanent spirit of improvement and by your unreserved dedication to your country. and your people."