The Princess Royal and her husband Commodore Tim Laurence have been summonsed to court accused of failing to prevent one of their dogs attacking a couple.

They have been charged under the Dangerous Dogs Act with failing to keep the bull terrier under proper control.

The case against the princess will be heard before East Berkshire magistrates on 9 October, Buckingham Palace confirmed.

They face a fine of up to �5,000 and up to six-months' imprisonment if convicted.

The princess was walking near Windsor Castle

Magistrates can also order the destruction of the animal and have the power to disqualify the princess and her husband from keeping a dog.

The BBC's June Kelly said Princess Anne has made clear she does not want preferential treatment and may appear in court.

The Mail On Sunday claims the alleged incident happened in July when Anne, 52, and her husband were exercising the dog in Windsor Great Park.

The animal was off its lead and allegedly attacked a man and woman, biting one on the leg.

There were no serious injuries but the police were alerted.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman refused to discuss details of the alleged incident.

Speeding fine

But he said: "We can confirm that the Princess Royal and Commodore Tim Laurence have received a summons to appear before magistrates in due course."

Thames Valley Police refused to confirm or deny the alleged incident had taken place, saying it was not their policy to identify anyone who had received a summons until they appeared before a court.

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

In March last year, Princess Anne was fined �400 and awarded five licence penalty points after admitting driving her Bentley at 93mph on a dual carriageway in Gloucestershire.