DHAKA: King Felipe VI took the Spanish crown on Thursday, setting the stage for celebrations in the flag-festooned capital a day after his father quit the throne with tears in his eyes.

The 46-year-old former Olympic yachtsman, who stands nearly two meters tall, assumed the crown after an emotional ceremony in the first royal succession of the post-Franco era.

Felipe legally became king at the stroke of midnight as an act of parliament signed by his father came into force, formalizing the end of 76-year-old Juan Carlos’ 39-year reign.

He faces a formidable challenge.

As king, Felipe must restore the image of the monarchy after his father’s reign became bogged down in scandal; inspire a people grappling with a 26 per cent unemployment rate; and try to unite the nation even as the north-eastern region of Catalonia seeks an independence referendum on November 9.

BDST: 0106 HRS, JUNE 19, 2014