Following an election which has created a complicated situation for forming a government, the King stressed that the new legislature requires all the efforts, energies and wills of the democratic institutions to ensure and consolidate what has been achieved in recent decades and to adapt political progress to the realities of today's society.
"Dynamic institutions that are always in step with the people they serve, which are sensitive to demands for rigour, honesty and integrity made by the people on those in public life and to the general interests of the nation, which must always come above everything else."
The King offered a message in which he hoped there would be calm reflection and sincere and loyal contrasts of opinion as well as respect to the history of Spain and to the intimate community of affections and interests among all the people in feeding a continuance of the nation's best constitutional spirit.
He urged all Spaniards to embrace an ethical commitment that makes a great nation, referring to the "spirit of union" and to the uniting of their hearts.
"Decades ago, the Spanish people decided, once and for always, to shake hands and not turn their backs. Let us do this with all the strength and confidence of those of whom we are proud - and with good reason - in having brought us together and, above all, in what we will be able to achieve together.
"Let us have faith and believe in our country. Spain has a resistance to adversity, a capacity to overcome and an inner strength much greater than we sometimes think. The Spanish people have never surrendered in face of difficulties, which have been great, and have always triumphed."
The King went on to reflect on the current constitutional regime and on the parliamentary monarchy, noting that the Cortes Generales (the Congress and Senate) are the "holders of the powers of decision" regarding issues that affect all Spaniards and that they are the headquarters of debate and dialogue between political parties which must decide the essential matters of national life.
"The political pluralism expressed at the election brings, without question, different sensitivities, visions and perspectives. This entails a form of politics based on dialogue, consensus and compromise, with the aim of taking the best decisions to deal with the problems of the people. Now, what should matter to everyone, and more than anything, is Spain and the general interests of the Spanish people."
The King, convinced that today's society will continue to write a history of the time in which everyone - men, women, young and old, those born in Spain or from abroad - is pulling together and leaving no one behind, concluded: "We must look forward, because in today's world no one hopes for those who only look back. We must banish the confrontations and the rancour and replace egoism with generosity, pessimism with hope, helplessness with solidarity."
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A good point, Sheila. You never see the Spanish royals referred to in an Anglicised fashion in the British press. This seems entirely right. If someone's name is Felipe, it's Felipe not Philip. Likewise, Elizabeth and not Isabel. I'll join you on the cava!
Why do we call him Felipe in an an English language paper when the Spanish press muck about with all our royal names? Queen Isabel, Princes Carlos, Guillermo, Enrique etc etc. Just a cheery Xmas thought! Another Cava por favor!