The new kings and the President

Another new king, another meeting with the President of the United States of America. Just like the two men who became monarchs in 2013, Felipe of Spain has met the President within months of taking the throne. The latest meeting between a new king and Barack Obama came in New York where Felipe was addressing the United Nations Plenary.

King Felipe VI with Barack Obama in New York on September 23rd 2014

(photo casareal.es)

Their meeting was one of several that King Felipe held with other heads of state that afternoon but it was easily the most high profile. The two men held talks with advisers as well as posing for photos that mark another major moment in the young reign of Felipe VI.

Another image of Felipe VI and Barack Obama during their meeting

(photo casareal.es)

King Philippe of the Belgians has met the US President several times and has hosted him in Belgium as well in the fifteen months since his own reign began.  The two men met in March 2014 when the President travelled to Belgium for the EU and NATO summits. They met again in June at commemorations for the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

President Obama meets King Philippe on his arrival in Belgium in March 2014

(photo @MonarchieBelge Twitter)

The King also met the new King of the Netherlands during his March visit to Europe. Willem-Alexander and Maxima hosted Mr Obama at a dinner as the President took part in the Nuclear Security Summit that took place in the Nethelands.

The King and Queen of the Netherlands with Barack Obama in March 2014

And now the President has said hello to Europe's newest king, Felipe VI.  His meetings with the longest reigning monarch on the continent, Elizabeth II, have made headlines and this encounter didn't get nearly as much international attention. But for a head of state at the start of his tenure, this audience had huge significance for King Felipe and has provided the stand out image of his visit to New York.