The Dutch royal family expressed regret for having held a birthday party.
The Hay:
The Dutch royal family expressed regret on Wednesday after last week invited 21 people to celebrate the future queen’s 18th birthday contrary to coronavirus health guidelines.
On Tuesday, the Netherlands said it would close primary schools early for the Christmas holidays and extend the nighttime lockdown because of growing concerns about the Omicron coronavirus variant.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte wrote in a letter to parliament: “The family has tried to handle the coronavirus rules responsibly with this outdoor gathering and by taking precautions. “.
“The king informed me that according to reflection, it is not a good idea to hold (the gathering).”
People in the Netherlands can currently only accommodate up to four guests over the age of 13 in their homes.
The royal gathering was held last Saturday in a park adjacent to the royal palace and guests are required to be vaccinated, tested for coronavirus and monitor social distancing.
Rutte’s letter did not specify how many people attended, but local media quoted the government as saying 21 invitations had been sent.
Princess Amalia turned 18 on December 7 and was elected to the Dutch Council of State, the government’s highest advisory body, by virtue of age.
The party was the latest in a string of spoofs carried out by the Dutch royal family during the pandemic that has dented its popularity.
In October 2020, the royals were forced to cut their holiday in Greece short after an outcry when the details were released and the Netherlands just had a partial shutdown.
Amalia, the heir to the throne, caused a stir in June when she gave up her right to an annual income of 1.6 million euros ($1.81 million).
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was automatically generated from the feed provided.)
