Princess Anne in dog trouble (From Stroud News and Journal)

Princess Anne in dog trouble

PRINCESS Anne faces criminal charges after one of her dogs allegedly bit a couple out walking in Windsor Great Park.

The Princess and husband Commodore Tim Laurence have been summonsed by magistrates to answer charges under the Dangerous Dogs Act and, if convicted, both could be fined up to £5,000 and sent to prison for six months.

Magistrates could also order the destruction of the dog, thought to be an English bull terrier.

The couple could also be disqualified from keeping a dog.

Though police sources and Buckingham Palace are remaining tight-lipped it is understood the charges relate to an incident that took place in July this year.

It is believed the Royal couple were exercising the dog in the park and had let it off the lead when it attacked another couple, thought to be an Asian man and woman.

One of them was allegedly bitten on the leg, though no serious injuries were caused.

This is the fist time a member of the Royal Family has been summonsed to appear before a criminal court for an offence, except for speeding.

Princess Anne has four speeding convictions.