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Palma.—The court said yesterday that the Duke of Palma who is married to the King of Spain's youngest daughter, Cristina, has been called to appear on February 23.

Urdangarin has not been charged with a crime but is a suspect in a case in which he and his ex-partner, Diego Torres who has been recalled to appear, allegedly funneled about 5 million euros in public money their non-profit foundation received between 2004 and 2006 to other companies that they controlled.

Royal damage
The case has been damaging to the royal household at a time when Spain suffers a severe recession and 25 per cent unemployment.
Urdangarin, appeared in court for the first time in February of last year and this time around, Judge Jose Castro wants to question Urdangarin and Torres about their tax activities.

According to information provided by the inland revenue in Spain, Urdangarin and Torres avoided paying tax on 470'000 euros.
Torres, who has so far used his constitutional right to remain silent, has been called to appear in court on February 16 while two days have been set aside for the Duke of Palma's hearing on February 25 and 26. At his last appearance, the Duke of Palma was met by heavy protests and this time, the outcry could be even louder with the far left opposition parties calling for Urdangarin to be stripped of his title as the Duke of Palma.

Ramblas renamed
They also want the Ramblas to have its original name restored after it being renamed in honour of the Duke and Duchess of Palma when they got married.