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.
