Editorial: The Princess

I have never known a more long-drawn out legal process and we are still none the wiser. The Infanta Cristina, is not a normal person, she is  the King´s sister, but her legal process has now been ongoing for the last three years and it is set to go on for even longer. Yesterday, a Palma court cleared her of money laundering but she has not been cleared of two alleged tax offenses relating to the business dealing of her husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, who is facing trial on embezzlement charges. Some in the judiciary still maintain that the Princess is not guilty of anything. They say that her only “crime” is that she is married to a man who is being investigated on embezzlement charges. Now, I know that  Spanish justice is not swift but surely after three years the Infanta should know whether or not she will face a court hearing. In some ways her life has been placed on hold. She didn´t attend the celebrations to mark the coronation of her brother as King and the royal family has distanced themselves from her while the court proceedings are underway. If I was the Infanta, I would want to know where I stand and after three years perhaps the time has come for a speedy resolution for the case. It is not doing Spain or the royal family any good.  Infact, it is making matters worse. Former King Juan Carlos said shortly before he left the throne that everyone was equal in the eyes of the law. And he is right. But everyone is also allowed to know where they stand.