el Rey), is the constitutional body whose primary function is to provide aid and support to the King of Spain in the exercise of his royal duties and prerogatives.

The household is under the direct authority of the King, who personally selects the individuals he chooses to aid him in his constitutional duties.

Following the eventual restoration of the monarchy and Juan Carlos I's accession to the throne as King in 1975, a new Royal Household was established.

According to article 65(1) of the 1978 constitution, the King is entitled to compensation from the annual state budget for the maintenance of his family and household administration, and distributes these funds at his discretion.

This budget is used to pay the salaries of members of the royal family who perform duties on behalf of the Spanish state.

According to article 65(2) of the 1978 constitution:"The King freely appoints and dismisses the civilian and military members of his household.

"In accordance with article 65(2), the authority to organize the royal household of His Majesty the King is vested in the Monarch himself.

In the exercise of this authority the King chooses the officers and decides which departments form a part of the royal household.

The Diplomatic Advisor to the Royal Household closely monitors international relations and developments in foreign affairs.

The Planning & Co-ordination Cabinet is the support unit for both the Head of the Household and the Secretary General, with assistance and immediate collaboration tasks in the fulfillment of the duties assigned to them.

The Press and Communications office maintains contact with professionals from the media, informing them of the official activities of the Royal Family, as well as their contents and organisation.

The Administration, Infrastructure and Services section manages the financial and budgetary side, as well as matters pertaining to the Household's staff.

The General Secretariat's staff consists of 139 civil servants, apart from those assigned to the Security Service by the Ministry of the Interior.

[8] The Secretaries General have been: The King’s Military Staff is primarily responsible for assisting him in the performance of his duties as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Spanish Armed Forces.

They also form part of the Retinue of Honour of foreign Heads of State on official visit to Spain.