Madrid, 31 October 2023 (dpa/MIA) - The heir to the Spanish throne, Crown Princess Leonor, swore an oath of allegiance to the country's constitution on her 18th birthday.

"I swear to exercise my duties conscientiously, uphold the constitution and the laws, respect the rights of citizens and the autonomous communities, and remain loyal to the king," Leonor said on Tuesday in the lower house of parliament in Madrid, followed by a long applause.

If she eventually succeeds her father, King Felipe VI, Leonor will become Spain's first female head of state since 1868.

In the afternoon, the elder of the two daughters of Felipe and Queen Letizia was scheduled to receive the Order of Charles III collar, Spain's highest civilian honour, at the Royal Palace.

Leonor's controversial grandfather, former King Juan Carlos, who has been living in exile in Abu Dhabi since August 2020, was reportedly only invited to the private evening birthday celebration at the Pardo Palace in Madrid.

Thousands lined the streets as the royal family travelled from the Royal Palace to parliament. People cheered, waved Spanish flags and large pictures of Leonor were displayed throughout the capital.

Two large screens were set up in the main square, Puerta del Sol, where thousands also gathered to watch the swearing-in ceremony.

However, not all Spaniards love their royals.

The swearing-in ceremony was boycotted by five of the 11 parties represented in the lower house that are demanding the abolition of the monarchy. In addition, three ministers from the left-wing governing coalition did not attend the ceremony.

It was primarily former King Juan Carlos who damaged the image of the royal family with his numerous escapades and affairs.

The crown princess, who started military training after secondary school, is now expected to boost the monarchy's popularity and stability alongside her father, Felipe.

Photo: EPA