King Felipe VI of Spain and His Dynastic Ancestry

King Felipe VI of Spain is the current monarch of the Kingdom of Spain. He has a rich and historically significant lineage that traces back to the foundational figures of the Spanish monarchy. This article explores the key ancestors and the dynastic rights that King Felipe VI inherits.

The Lineage of King Felipe VI

King Felipe VI is the son of King Juan Carlos I, who was the longest-serving monarch of modern Spain. His wife is Queen Letizia, and they have a daughter, Princess Leonor. This familial structure places King Felipe VI at the center of contemporary Spanish royal history.

The Foundation of the Spanish Monarchy

King Felipe VI's dynastic rights are rooted deeply in history. The key ancestor from whom he derives his right to reign is Pelayo I, also known as Pelagius. Pelayo I was a strategic figure who successfully defended his territory in North-Western Spain from the Moorish invasion in 718 AD. Through his efforts, he founded the Kingdom of Asturias, which later became known as Spain. This was a crucial development, as it guaranteed the continued presence of a Roman-Gothic-Christian state on the Iberian Peninsula, even as much of the rest of the Peninsula fell under Muslim rule.

Pelayo I reigned until his death in 737 AD. He was succeeded by his son, Favila. However, Favila died without heirs a few years later, passing the crown to Pelayo's daughter Hermesinda and her husband/consort, Alfonso I. From Hermesinda and Alfonso I, the lineage continues down through generations, culminating in King Felipe VI.

The Franco-Spanish Bourbons

The Bourbon dynasty, which reigns over Spain currently, has its origins in the early 18th century. The Franco-Spanish Bourbons are descendants of French royalty, specifically the House of Bourbon. Notably, one of the key figures in this lineage is King Louis XIV, often referred to as the "Sun King," who initiated the Bourbon reign in France in the mid-17th century. This connection places King Felipe VI within a global network of royal families, united by centuries of shared lineage and history.

Immediate Family Connections

Aside from his dynastic ties, King Felipe VI is closely related to his immediate family. His parents, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Letizia, as well as his sister, are all key figures in the royal dynasty. Additionally, his wife, Queen Letizia, is a prominent member of the royal family, and any children he may have would further consolidate his connections within the royal lineage.

Conclusion

King Felipe VI of Spain is not only a vital figure in contemporary Spanish royalty but also a descendant of ancient historical figures who shaped the destiny of the Iberian Peninsula. His lineage from Pelayo I, through the subsequent generations, highlights the rich and enduring history of the Spanish monarchy. This connection to both historical and modern figures underscores the significance of his role in the modern royal lineage.