Spanish Princess Served Subpoena in Embezzlement Case

Husband under investigation for funneling money through non-profit

Princess Cristina, seventh in line to the throne, was issued a subpoena on Wednesday to appear before a judge later this month in a widening investigation centering on whether her husband Inaki Urdangarin embezzled millions of euros through a non-profit organisation he headed.

"Anything that affects institution that has been so important in Spain's transition and which is so important for Spain's image abroad, causes the government enormous concern," Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo, Spain's Foreign Minister, told reporters on Thursday.

The summons is a first for a royal-born member of Spain's reigning Bourbons and promises further strife for a monarchy already struggling against a tide of unpopularity as Spaniards suffering in the grip of economic crisis gristle against their privileged lifestyles.