Spain's Princess Cristina to be tried on tax fraud charges

Cristina de Borbon, sister of Spain's King Felipe VI, has been ordered to stand trial on charges of tax fraud, the High Court of the Balearic Islands said on Monday, prolonging the embarrassment of the royal family which has sought to distance itself from a corruption probe.

Europa Press | Europa Press | Getty Images

Cristina de Borbon

The charges were brought as part of an investigation into the business dealings of Cristina's husband, former Olympic handball player Inaki Urdangarin, accused of embezzling millions in public funds through his non-profit Noos Foundation.
Read MoreBookmaker Coral closes book on Queen abdicating

It will be the first time a member of the Spanish royal family sits in the dock. Princess Cristina and her husband have both denied wrongdoing.