Following the controversy surrounded around the Catalonia referendum, many people across Spain have been hoping that the monarch can help to bring a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
This evening in his address, the Spanish King said: “For a long time some entities in Catalonia have not followed the laws of this country which sets out the way this country is governed.
“This shows a lack of loyalty to the government of this country.
“They have broken with the principles of democracy that every nation state adheres to.
“Unfortunately we have arrived at a stage where the situation is fracture.”
The monarch said the referendum could put the entire security and stability of Spain at risk.
He said the Catalonia authorities have tried to put an end to the unity of Spain by holding the referendum.
The King said: “This serious situation requires compromise, it is the responsibility of the legitimate powers of this country to maintain the law.
“To the people of Catalonia, we all live in a democratic state and we must respect the law and constitution.
He said he understands there are worries in Catalonia about the behaviour of the authorities, who have been attacked for their use of violence.
He said: “We must do everything we can to defend the liberty of Spain.”
He called for hope and calmness and said the country would overcome the problems as the principles of democracy are strong and solid.
He finished by saying: “I would like to give the message of serenity to all the people of Spain.”
One of the King’s roles is as guardian of the Spanish Constitution and the crisis unfolding in Catalonia has been ruled by the government as unconstitutional.
The King met today with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to discuss the situation in Catalonia.
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Catalonia to protest against Sunday’s violent crackdown by Spanish police.
More to follow…