Spain's Princess Cristina, husband separate after 24 years

Princess Cristina and husband of 24 years Inaki Urdangarin

Princess Cristina and husband of 24 years Inaki Urdangarin

Princess Cristina, younger sister of King Felipe of Spain has announced her separation from husband Inaki Urdangarin after 24 years of marriage.

“By mutual agreement we have decided to break off our marriage.

“Our commitment to our children remains intact. Since this is a private decision we ask the utmost respect of all those around us,” the couple, who have four children, said in a statement according to The Times.

The announcement comes one week after photos in the Spanish tabloid Lecturas revealed Urdangarin’s alleged lesbian affair with another woman.

The pair was photographed holding hands during a visit to southern France.

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When asked about his affair, Urdangarin told reporters: “These things happen. It is a difficulty that we will manage with the utmost tranquillity and together as we have always done.”

In 2018, after a highly publicized trial, Urdangarin, 54, who is a former member of Spain’s handball team, was found guilty of tax fraud, embezzlement and influence peddling and sentenced by the Supreme Court to six years and three months in prison.

Princess Cristina, 56, was also charged with tax fraud as part of the $6 million embezzlement scheme involving her husband and 16 other defendants but was acquitted in the case.

King Felipe stripped his sister and Urdangarin of their titles, the Duke and Duchess of Palma de Mallorca, in 2015.

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