Spanish royal in court over corruption

About 200 protesters whistled and jeered as Inaki Urdangarin, the Duke of Palma, arrived at the court in eastern Mallorca Island on Monday, to be investigated over claims he misused public funds that ended up in companies he ran between 2004 and 2006.

The case against the duke have not been made public but he is reportedly accused of misdirecting part of some EUR 6 million sent to his non-profit Noos Institute by regional governments to organize sporting events, but allegedly some of the money ended up in companies that he ran.

Urdangarin, 44, has denied any wrongdoing in the case, which has been a very embarrassing for the Spanish royal family.

“I come to clarify the truth and defend my honor,” Urdangarin said as he arrived at the court.

Urdangarin who is married to Princess Cristina, the second of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia’s three children, was a professional handball player. He retired from professional sport in 2000, and went on to study business administration.

King Juan Carlos has sought to distance himself from the affair and in December the royal family suspended Urdangarin from official engagements.

PG/JR

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