The Infanta Cristina arriving for a court hearing. She has been stripped of one of her title of Duchess of Palma by her brother, King Felipe VI
It was a surprise announcement but one that has won the king a lot of praise in some sections of the press and on social media. His sister had been known as Duchess of Palma since her marriage to Inaki Urdangarin on October 4th 1997. But this new decree removes that honour from her.
Cristina Federica Victoria Antonia, Infanta of Spain
Duchess of Palma 1997 - 2015
The Infanta Cristina is facing trial on charges of tax fraud - the proceedings could start at some point this year after a judge ruled at the end of 2014 that she should face court. If she is found guilty she could go to prison - she and her husband have always denied any wrongdoing.
Cristina of Spain was made a duchess on her wedding day, October 4th 1997
Until the Noos case came to light, Cristina was one of the most popular members of the Spanish Royal Family and she, her husband and their four children were generally well liked. Now the family live in Geneva and are rarely seen in Spain although in recent weeks Cristina has spent more time in her home country - just last week she attended the funeral of Prince Kardam of Bulgaria in Madrid. And perhaps more surprisingly there were reports she had been at the celebrations, held in private, that followed the First Communion of Felipe's daughter and the heiress to the throne, Princess Leonor.
King Felipe of Spain issued a decree taking away the title of duchess from his sister, Cristina, on June 11th 2015
But the latest chapter in Cristina's story is one of a rare royal ignominy. She is among just a handful of people in history to be stripped of a royal title. She will remain an Infanta and, at the moment, still has the right to succeed to the throne (she is fifth in line). But this unexpected move by King Felipe has raised more questions over the royal future of his sister, daughter of a king but now a duchess no more.
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