Sofia's special day

She admitted to being very emotional during the day and there was no doubt that Queen Sofia of Spain lived every second of the proclamation of her only son as King of Spain.  She was there for every moment of his first day as monarch and she beamed with pride throughout it.

A kiss for her king - Sofia acknowledges her son, Felipe VI, on his proclamation day

She stood by as her husband passed on the sash that is worn by the head of the Armed Forces and joined in family photographs afterwards.

No longer the leading lady, Queen Sofia takes her place after Queen Letizia, the Princess of Asturias and the Infanta Sofia at the ceremony where King Juan Carlos gave King Felipe the sash of the head of the Armed Forces of Spain

The Queen then took her seat at the Cortes General to see her son swear his oath and be proclaimed king.

Sofia of Spain with her daughter, the Infanta Elena

But there were also plaudits for the consort of Juan Carlos before the proclamation began as politicians spoke of her work as monarch.  The queen received a standing ovation and cheers that went on and on when tributes were paid to her contribution to the reign of Juan Carlos and to the life of Spain.  Queen Sofia stood to acknowledge them - her daughter, the Infanta Elena, couldn't contain her emotions.

Queen Sofia of Spain receives the applause of her fellow citizens

And then Queen Sofia stood proudly by as her son received cheers on the balcony of the Royal Palace.  She paid particular attention to her granddaughters and embraced her husband as they joined in the celebrations at the end of an historic day.  And an emotional one for Sofia, the queen who today saw her son take the throne to which he was born.

Queen Sofia can't contain her pride on the balcony of the Royal Palace in Madrid