Spain's King has made tennis star Rafael Nadal a marquess as he bestowed the first noble titles of his reign on Thursday.
The former Spanish number one's new title as the 1st Marquess of Llevant de Mallorca will eventually be passed down to his two-year-old son Rafael Jr.
Nadal, 39, was joined by swimmer Teresa Perales and singer Luz Casal who also received titles from King Felipe VI.
He has won 22 Grand Slam singles tennis titles and was granted the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports in 2008.
'Their respective careers are exponents of excellence, whether in the service of the Crown or in the field of thought, culture, science, arts and sport,' the royal household said.
