Madrid - Spain's Princess Cristina, 43, the second of King Juan Carlos' three children, will move to Washington DC with her family, news reports said Thursday.

The princess' husband, former handball player Inaki Urdangarin, has accepted a job in the United States with the Spanish telecommunications giant Telefonica, the royal palace said.

The couple, who have the titles of duke and duchess of Palma, have four children aged between 3 and 9 years. The family currently lives in Barcelona.

The move, which is expected to take place in September, is described as the first time that a member of the Spanish royal family will live abroad for purposes other than studying since the monarchy was restored after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

Cristina, who is the third in line to the throne after her siblings Felipe and Elena, was expected to reduce her representative duties after the move. (dpa)