Princess Irina of Romania
Princess Irina of Romania was arressted in Oregon accused of organising cockfights (Multnomah County Sheriff's Office)

A Romanian princess has been arrested for allegedly running a cockfighting ring in Oregon.

Irina Walker, 60, also known as Irina Kreuger, was identified by the Oregonian newspaper as the daughter of the last king of Romania, Michael I, who reigned until 1947 when he was forced to abdicate by the communist government.

Walker was arrested with her husband, John Walker. They have been charged with hosting cockfighting derbies and for illegal gambling.

The fights took place at their ranch near the town of Irrigon. Prosecutors want to seize the property, which is listed as a business under the name Stokes Landing Sport Horses. It was unclear if the business was still in operation.

Walker and her husband are two of six suspects. According to the indictment, 10 cockfighting derbies were held at the ranch owned by the Walkers between 2012 and 2013.

Barbaric practice

Spectators were charged admission and encouraged to bet on cocks who fought with razor-sharp blades attached to their legs. Food and drink were also sold at the matches. The defendants are thought to have earned up to $2,000 (£1,200) a day.

Twelve more people from Oregon and Washington face charges of conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act through illegal animal fighting.

Amanda Marshall, US attorney for Oregon, said: "Cockfighting is illegal under federal law and under the laws of all 50 states. Besides being a barbaric practice, cockfighting jeopardises public health and safety and facilitates the commission of other criminal acts."

Walker is one of five Romanian princesses born to Michael I. She was previously married to John Kreuger of Sweden, with whom she had two children. She married John Walker in 2007 at the Heart of Reno Chapel in Nevada.