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Princess Cristina, the daughter of Spain's King Juan Carlos I, was charged in court Tuesday for alleged tax evasion and money laundering.
In a 200-page ruling, Examining Magistrate Jose Castro said the lengthy investigation showed substantial evidence that the princess had committed crimes.
Castro summoned her to appear again in court on March 8 for further hearings. She has denied any wrongdoing and her lawyers have promised to appeal the summons.
The accusations stem from investigations into the business of her husband, former Spanish Olympic handball player Inaki Urdangarin, who has been accused of embezzling 6.8 million Euros in public funds through his charitable organization. Urdangarin has also denied the accusation.
This is the second time Princess Cristina has been called to appear in court. In April, she was asked to give her testimony on the ongoing investigation into her husband's alleged crimes. Princess Cristina holds a key position in her husband's foundation and co-owned a real estate company with Urdangarin, which investigators believe was used as a vehicle to evade taxes and launder money.
Judge Castro earlier ruled that there was evidence the princess aided Urdangarin in committing the crimes but a higher court set aside the ruling due to insufficient evidence. The higher court, however, gave the prosecuting judge more time to investigate.
Princess Cristina and her husband are the first members of the Spanish royal family to possibly face criminal trial. Cristine, 48, is seventh in line to the throne.
The investigations have been followed widely by the Spanish public and are seen as a major factor in the sinking popularity of King Carlos and the entire Spanish royal family. According to surveys, many in Spain think that the royal family has "mishandled" the investigations and that the king should abdicate because of it.
