U.K. Princess Anne has been ordered to appear in court after one of her bull terrier dogs allegedly attacked a couple in a royal park.

　　Buckingham Palace said Tim Laurence, the husband of Anne who is formally known as the Princess Royal, has also been summoned to appear.

　　“We can confirm that the Princess Royal and Commodore Tim Laurence have received a summons to appear before magistrates in due course,” a palace spokesman said Sunday, without giving further details.

　　Earlier, the Mail on Sunday newspaper reported that the incident happened in July when the princess and her husband were exercising the dog in Windsor Great Park, near London.

　　It was reported that the animal was allowed off its lead and attacked an Asian man and woman.

　　One of them was allegedly bitten on the leg, though not seriously, and police were alerted, the newspaper said.

　　It is understood it is the first time such a senior royal has been summoned to appear before a criminal court for an offence other than exceeding the speed limit.

　　The paper said Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth and younger sister of heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, had been called to court Oct. 9.

　　It said the pair could face prosecution under the Dangerous Dog Act and a possible fine of up to US$6,000.

　　A court also has the power to order the destruction of the animal and to disqualify the couple from keeping a dog in the future.

　　It is very unlikely the royals will attend in person, the newspaper said.  (SD-Agencies)