King of Spain lashes out at 'disloyal' Catalans after referendum controversy

Officials in the north-eastern province declared an overwhelming win for the independence supporters on Sunday, despite a poor turnout amidst various incidents of violence involving Spanish police and voters.

The monarch came out firmly in support of Mariano Rajoy and the government in a speech on Tuesday, who had staunchly backed a ruling from the constitutional court that the vote was illegal.

"With their decisions, they have systematically undermined the rules approved legally and legitimately, showing an unacceptable disloyalty towards the powers of the state -- a state that represents Catalan interests," the King said.

He recognised that Spanish society is “fractured”, but that those in charge of the referendum had acted irresponsibly.

“Those authorities have underestimated the fondness and feelings of solidarity that have united and will unite the whole of the Spanish population, and with their irresponsible attitude they have put the economic and social stability of Catalonia and Spain at risk," he said.

In comments that are likely to further enrage those in the independence movement, King Felipe reiterated the illegality of the vote, saying the regional government had acted 'outside of the law and democracy'.

The coming days will be highly important for both Spain and Catalonia as regional leader Carles Puigdemont weighs up a unilateral declaration of independence with the support of the local parliament.