Charges of corruption were brought yesterday against Princess Cristina de Borbón, the youngest son of King Juan Carlos, related to her husband's role in the Nóos foundation case. It is the first time that a direct member of the royal family has been involved in a court hearing, although it seems inevitable that events would play out like this.
What is happening affirms that the democratic process can function properly, and the words that the King spoke on Christmas Eve in 2011 are coming to fruition. He said, "Justice is the same for everyone." Fortunately, democracy is working here despite myriad corruption cases within the country's two leading political parties. Further, the custom forged during the Transition -- that the royal family is safe from any criticism -- has been broken. To not criticize dubious actions committed by the royal family was a mistake, because it confused the family's constitutional impunity with the false belief that the King's immunity extended to his immediate family.
And another critical point has been overlooked: all members of the royal family have an obligation to set a moral example and respect the law. It is hard to understand how the public prosecutor, in direct opposition to the judge, would resort to bringing charges against Princess Cristina because of pressures from the head public prosecutor office. If she is ultimately conflicted, then Cristina de Borbón should give up her position in the succession to the crown in an effort to help it survive. The public has started to speak out against injustices committed by the royal family, so now is the time for them to start setting a good example.
