A Palma judge yesterday rejected an appeal lodged by Princess Cristina’s legal team, paving the way for the sister of King Felipe VI to stand trial in Palma on charges of tax fraud this year.
Palma.—Cristina, 49, was indicted on 22 December as part of a four-year probe into her businessman husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, a former Olympic handball medalist, who faces charges ranging from money laundering to fraud.
She is the first member of the Spanish royal family ordered to stand trial since the monarchy was restored in 1975.
The princess’ lawyer, Miquel Roca, lamented the decision by investigative magistrate Jose Castro, but said they did not plan to file a complaint.
Royal image
A court spokeswoman said that on renouncing this option, the way was cleared for the trial to be held.
The trial is not expected to take place before the end of this year.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with court policy.
The indictment comes as Cristina’s brother, King Felipe VI, has been trying to improve the royal family’s image after his scandal-plagued father abdicated last year.