Spain's King removes title from sister

Spain's Cristina de Borbon, sister of King Felipe, arrives for a service in memory of the late Bulgarian Prince Kardam in Madrid, Spain, June 8, 2015. Prince Kardam died in Madrid on April 7, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

MADRID - Spain's King Felipe VI has removed the title Duchess of Palma de Mallorca from his sister Cristina in the latest move to distance the royal family from the princess as she awaits trial for tax fraud.

The measure, signed by Felipe on June 11, was made law on being published in the Official State Gazette on Friday.

No immediate explanation was given for the decision.

Cristina, 49, has been indicted as part of a four-year probe into her husband, Inaki Urdangarin, who faces charges including money-laundering and fraud.

Cristina and Urdangarin, through their lawyers, have repeatedly asserted their innocence.

The trial is expected late this year.