The Monarchy of Spain is a constitutional monarchy, meaning the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution. The current king, Felipe VI, ascended to the throne in June 2014, following the abdication of his father, Juan Carlos I. The monarchy plays a ceremonial role in the Spanish government and represents the unity and continuity of the nation. The Spanish monarchy has a long history, dating back to the unification of the crowns of Castile and Aragon in the late 15th century. It has undergone various changes, including the establishment of the First Spanish Republic and the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Today, the monarchy is supported by a significant portion of the Spanish population.