Spanish duke in court in corruption case

PALMA DE MAJORCA: Spanish King Juan Carlos's son-in-law Inaki Urdangarin appeared in court Saturday in a corruption case that has caused a rare embarrassment for Spain's royals.

Urdangarin, the Duke of Palma, arrived on foot at the high court on the island of Majorca, accompanied by his lawyer as scores of noisy anti-monarchy protestors demonstrated in the street nearby.

The tall and lanky 44-year-old, a former Olympic handball player, is suspected of embezzling public money paid to a charity that was under his control. He has denied any wrongdoing.

"I am appearing today to demonstrate my innocence," the duke, dressed in a black jacket and grey tie, told the waiting media outside the court.

"I have carried out my responsibilities and taken decisions correctly and with total transparency," he added.

"My intention today is to clarify the truth of what happened. I am convinced that my declaration today will help to do so."

The court earlier this month accepted a petition that his statement be heard behind closed doors and without the usual procedure of video-recording the questioning.

The case implicating Urdangarin, who is married to the king's youngest daughter Cristina, is the first major scandal to touch Juan Carlos's family. (AFP)