Spain's new king, Felipe VI, will be sworn in as the country's head of state in parliament later.

King Felipe will first receive the royal sash from his father, Juan Carlos, in a ceremony at the Zarzuela Palace near Madrid.

He acceded to the throne at the stroke of midnight after Juan Carlos formally abdicated on Wednesday.

Correspondents say the ceremonies will be kept low key, at a time when many in Spain are suffering economic hardship.

The ceremony will take the form of a proclamation rather than a coronation. It will be the first royal transition in Spain since democracy was restored.

The new king will be proclaimed after promising to uphold the constitution and giving a speech to parliament.

He and his wife Letizia will then be driven through Madrid's streets before appearing on the front balcony of the Royal Palace.

Source: BBC