05.11.2013
In 1938, and within ten months of each other, two people were born who, thirty-seven years later, would become the King and Queen of Spain: Juan Carlos de Borbon and Sofia of Greece. As a tribute to the 75th Birthday of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain, a miniature sheet is issued by Spanish Correoswhich reproduces a view of the Royal Palace in Madrid, the King’s coat of arms and a portrait of the monarchs.
King Juan Carlos I – son of Juan de Borbon y Battenberg and Maria de las Mercedes de Borbon y Orleans – was born on 5 January in Rome (Italy), where the Royal Family resided after the Republic was proclaimed in 1931. At the express desire of his father, he undertook his academic training mainly in Spain. In 1955, he entered the Military Schools and Academies of the three branches of the Armed Forces, and subsequently he studied Political and International Law, Economics and Public Finances.
On 22 November 1975, Juan Carlos was proclaimed King and he gave his first speech in Parliament, expressing the basic ideas of his reign: to re-establish democracy and to be the King of all Spaniards, without any exception whatsoever. Pro-European, driver of a new style in Ibero-American relations, Doctor HonorisCausa from over thirty Spanish and foreign universities and supreme commander of the Armed Forces, Juan Carlos I has officially visited almost every country in the world and the leading international organizations.
Queen Sofia – daughter of the King Paul I and Queen Federica of Greece – was born on 2 November 1938 in Athens (Greece). She spent part of her childhood in Egypt and South Africa, as her family went into exile during the Second World War. In 1946, she returned to her country and completed her studies in a German boarding school and in Athens, where she specialized in Childcare, Music and Archaeology. In her capacity as Queen, she participates in official and institutional events and pays a great deal of attention to social activities and international projects for the promotion of women.
The King and Queen of Spain married on 14 May 1962 in Athens Cathedral. They have three children: Infanta Elena, Infanta Cristina and Prince Felipe.
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