Princess Cristina of Spain Suspect: Spanish Royal Linked to Corruption Scandal with Former Olympian Husband Inakî Urdangarin, King Juan Carlos Image Issues

Spain's King Juan Carlos' daughter, Princess Cristina, has officially been named a suspect in a high profile corruption case centered on her husband, former Olympic handball player Inakî Urdangarin, and some questionable foundations. Naming the Spanish royal as a suspect was a dramatic move by investigating magistrate José Castro, who has called upon the princess to give evidence in court in Palma de Mallorca, capital of the Balearic Isles, on April 27. This is the first court summons for the King's immediate family.

This news comes in the middle of a tough time for King Juan Carlos, just after a year of health and image issues. The 75-year-old king was once one of Spain's most popular figures. He was highly admired for helping lead Spain to democracy in the 1970s after decades of dictatorship.

Everyone involved with the royals were shocked. A spokesman at the king's Zarzuela Palace in Madrid said, "The royal household is in absolute agreement with a decision by state anti-corruption prosecutors to appeal against the decision."

Jose Castro said that Princess Cristina may have "aided and abetted" her husband's alleged "crooked dealings" by lending her name and therefore titles to his business affairs.

Urdangarin is currently under investigation for allegedly "using not-for-profit companies and foundations to strike deals involving millions of euros of taxpayers money with corrupt regional officials in Valencia, the Balearic Islands and Madrid." The 45-year-old former Olympian is also accused of committing tax fraud and siphoning money, sending it to offshore bank accounts and eventually funding his companies. One of these companies is co-owned by the 47-year-old Princess Cristina.

"Better late than never," Cayo Lara, the leader of the United Left coalition in Spain's parliament, said. "Perhaps, with this, the king's words about us all being equal before the law are being proved."