Spain's Felipe VI promises a 'renewed monarchy' as he is sworn in as king

TheGuardian: New monarch calls for unity and vows to 'listen and advise' as he takes over role from his father Juan Carlos

"A renewed monarchy for new times" was how Felipe VI described his role in his first speech as Spain's new king after being sworn in on Thursday morning.

In a wide-ranging speech that touched on many of the key issues facing the country, Felipe VI vowed to be a king who would "listen and advise". He offered his solidarity to "those who have been hit hard by the economic crisis", adding: "We need to win the battle to create jobs, which is Spaniards' primary concern."

Without naming Catalonia, he also addressed the drive for independence in the region. "I want to reaffirm, as king, my faith in the unity of Spain.

"In a unified and diverse Spain, based on the equality of and solidarity between its people, there is room for all of us. And for all of our feelings and sensibilities and our distinct ways of being Spaniards."

Felipe VI thanked his father, Juan Carlos, for his "exceptional reign" of 39 years, which came to an end on Wednesday. Clad in a military uniform, Felipe wore the red sash of captain general, the highest rank in the army, presented to him by his father on Thursday morning.

The 18th-century Spanish crown and 17th-century sceptre were displayed next to the new monarch, but authorities were careful to avoid an opulent coronation ceremony out of sensitivity to the financial hardship endured by many Spaniards after a double-dip recession.

His father, once one of the world's most popular monarchs, saw his popularity plummet after a series of scandals and extravagances. Felipe hinted at the need to rejuvenate the Spanish crown. "The crown must constantly earn citizens' appreciation, respect and trust," he said. "Today, more than ever, citizens are rightly demanding that public officials lead by example."

Felipe ended his speech by saying thank you in four languages: Castilian Spanish, Basque, Catalan and Galician.

After the speech, the king and Queen Letizia were driven through the wide streets of Madrid in a Rolls-Royce with the top down. From lampposts to security barriers, the route was draped with Spanish flags.

Across Madrid's centre, thousands waited hours to get a glimpse of the new king and queen. "After what happened to our football team yesterday, this gives me a reason to be happy," said Rafael Redondo, referring to Spain's other news story of the day – the defending champions Spain crashing out of the World Cup after losing to Chile on Wednesday evening.

Redondo was happy to have something else to focus on. "Our country is so diverse – from Andalusia to the Basque Country. The monarchy is the glue that holds us together." Behind him there were cheers of "España, España."

After tens of thousands of Spaniards took to the streets to demand a referendum on the monarchy, security was high across the capital, including 7,000 police, 120 snipers and helicopters overhead.

A rally planned by republican groups to coincide with the ceremony was denied official authorisation for what officials called "reasons of security and prudence".

Ashifa Kassam in Madrid