Princess Cristina of Spain suspect in corruption scandal
Princess Cristina and her husband, Inaki Urdangarin, in 2011. The princess has been summoned to testify over allegations that her husband embezzled public funds during his chairmanship of a charitable foundation.
Princess Cristina of Spain has been summoned in connection with a long-simmering corruption scandal surrounding her husband.
Cristina, the youngest daughter of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, is the most senior Spanish royal ever to face court.
She has been called to testify on April 27 in Palma de Mallorca, on the Mediterranean island of Majorca.
An investigating judge will question her over allegations that the charitable foundation run by her husband, former pro handball player Inaki Urdangarin, overcharged regional authorities by millions of euros for organizing sporting events between 2004 and 2006.
Urdangarin and his former business partner, Diego Torres, are accused of pocketing the difference. They deny any wrongdoing.
According to Spanish media reports, however, Torres has handed over emails that suggest Cristina may have known about her husband's suspected activities.
The royal family declined to comment on the princess's summons, telling Agence France-Presse: "The royal household does not comment in any way on judicial decisions."
Urdangarin has not been charged with any crime. He was nonetheless suspended from royal engagements when the allegations first came to light, in late 2011.
The scandal has already triggered anti-monarchy protests in cash-strapped Spain. When Urdangarin was questioned by a judge in February, demonstraters gathered outside the courtroom holding signs reading: "Inaki owes us money" and "Monarchy Corruption."
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