Spain's Supreme Court says it will investigate a paternity claim filed against former king Juan Carlos by a Belgian woman who says her mother had a relationship with him in the 1960s while he was crown prince.

A court panel will investigate the claim filed by Ingrid Sartiau, who was born in 1966, a court spokesman said.

When he was king, Juan Carlos was immune from criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits.

He lost that privilege after he abdicated in June so his son Felipe could become king.

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