Born on January 30, 1968, in Madrid, Prince Felipe has evolved into a popular and dashing figure in his native Spain. And as he celebrates his 45th year, royal watchers on the Iberian Peninsula will be keen to mark the date. With the help of their wife Letizia and their two daughters, Leonor and Sofia, Felipe represents a thoroughly modern royal who will be more than capable of succeeding his father, King Juan Carlos, on the throne when the time comes.
The towering 6ft 4in prince has more than a few echoes of Prince William, thanks to his stints in all three branches of the armed forces. He also holds a Master's degree in international relations and speaks fluent French and English. Add to that a down-to-earth sense of self and you have the makings of a highly-respected sovereign. "Some people think I'm too serious, but I believe I've got a sense of humour," he told HELLO! "I like to think of myself as being no different from anybody else, with my failures, qualities, frustrations, joys, worries, everything... A king should not lose his perception of what it is like to be somebody normal." To mark Felipe's 45th birthday, HELLO! Online opens the photo album and looks at how the prince was groomed to reign.