Profile: Spain's Crown Prince Felipe

The crown prince has been very active in Spanish public life

BBC | 2 June 2014

Crown Prince Felipe, 45, has assumed the king's duties on many occasions in recent years, as health problems have taken their toll on Juan Carlos.

Felipe is Prince of Asturias and every year he bestows the prestigious Asturias awards on outstanding achievers in the arts and sciences.

He is the monarch's only son, and has two elder sisters.

In 2004 he married a star TV presenter, Letizia, and they have two daughters - Leonor and Sofia.

Since 1996 Felipe has represented Spain at the swearing-in ceremonies for presidents in Latin America.

That role has underlined his special interest in relations with Spain's former colonies in the Americas.

In 2011 he performed more royal duties than King Juan Carlos - a total of 253 functions in Spain and abroad.

At the age of 18, in January 1986, he swore allegiance to the monarch and the Spanish constitution, at a ceremony in parliament, officially becoming heir to the throne.

His full name is Felipe Juan Pablo y Alfonso de Todos los Santos. He is named after Philip V (1683-1746), the first Bourbon king of Spain.

Olympic yachtsman

Crown Prince Felipe and family - photo taken on 22 May 2014

A sports enthusiast, Felipe was in Spain's Olympic yachting team at the Barcelona Games in 1992.

He has a law degree from the Madrid Autonomous University. He graduated in 1993 and went on to spend two years doing a Masters in International Relations at Georgetown University, Washington.

As a school student he had also spent a year at Lakefield College School in Canada.

In 1985-89 he underwent officer training at Spanish military academies. He graduated as a helicopter pilot, lieutenant-colonel in the army and air force and frigate commander in the navy.

Since 2010 he has chaired meetings of the Spanish armed forces chiefs - a role that used to be the king's prerogative. He also participates in military exercises.

He has travelled to many countries, one of his chief roles being to promote Spanish business interests and culture globally.

A BBC reporter in Spain, Ignacio de los Reyes, says the crown prince has the highest approval ratings in the royal family and is expected to reign as Felipe VI.