Spain’s Prince Felipe wants to continue to head the Principe de Asturias foundation

OHMYGOSSIP — Spain’s Prince Felipe to continue patronage! Prince Felipe has emphasised that he would like to continue his role as patron of the Principe de Asturias foundation when he takes over on the Spanish throne.

The 46-year-old royal – who is currently known as the Prince of Asturias – is set to be crowned King of Spain following his father King Juan Carlos’ abdication on June 18, but he’s stated that he wants to remain as patron of the Principe de Asturias foundation, in addition to his new duties.

Speaking at the royal palace in Madrid, where he and his wife Princess Letizia hosted an annual meeting with members of the foundation, he emphasised that he would continue his role until his eldest daughter, 8-year-old Princess Leanor, was old enough to take on the “exciting and intense” responsibility.

Felipe also added that he and Letizia, 41, were living in “very special times” following his father’s decision to step down.

The 76-year-old monarch reportedly chose to abdicate from the throne to avoid his son “withering” in the same way as Britian’s Prince Charles – whose mother, Queen Elizabeth, has vowed to never step down as British monarch.

According to Spain’s El Mundo newspaper, he told chief of the royal household, Rafael Spottorno: “I do not want my son to wither like Prince Charles.”