Tuesday 7 January 2014

Spanish princess Infanta Cristina summoned over fraud

The Infanta Cristina at a Mass in Madrid, 20 June 2013
The Infanta Cristina is seen here at a Mass in Madrid in June 2013

A Spanish judge has summoned the youngest daughter of King Juan Carlos to appear in court over accusations of fraud and money-laundering.

The Infanta Cristina, 48, has been linked to the business affairs of her husband, Inaki Urdangarin, who is being investigated for alleged embezzlement.

The princess is now a formal suspect and should appear in court on 8 March.

It is believed to be the first time a direct relative of the king will appear in court accused of wrongdoing.

Last year, properties belonging to her husband were impounded after allegations that Mr Urdangarin, the Duke of Palma, misused millions of euros in public funds given to a charitable foundation he ran.

The duke denied wrongdoing and was not charged with any crime.

One of the properties impounded is a large luxury house on the outskirts of Barcelona belonging to the duke and Princess Cristina.

News that the princess is now a formal suspect comes amid a decline in popularity for the Spanish king, 76, whose image was dented by a luxury elephant-hunting trip he made to Africa in 2012.

On Monday, he presided over a military parade on crutches at Madrid's royal palace, having recently undergone hip replacement surgery.

No comments:

Post a Comment