Flanked by his family and before Spain’s Parliament, Felipe VI was formally proclaimed the new king of Spain Thursday, following the abdication of his father, Juan Carlos.

The new king, clad in military uniform and flanked by his wife and daughters, also swore an oath before the packed parliamentary chamber.

In an address, the new king spoke of his respect for the Parliament and the nation — as well as his own emotion at becoming the monarch of “a great nation” he loves and admires.

Felipe paid tribute to his father’s “extraordinary” legacy over nearly four decades, including his leadership as the country returned to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

He also thanked his mother, Queen Sofia, for a lifetime of hard work and devotion to the Spanish people.

The proclamation ceremony is a more subdued affair than a coronation, without the pomp of foreign dignitaries and elaborate ceremonies.