Dutch royals face criticism for birthday party breaking COVID-19 rules

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The Dutch royal family regretted Wednesday for inviting 21 people to Princess Amalia’s 18th birthday last week.

Under current COVID-19 rules, the Dutch can have a maximum of four guests over the age of 13 at home.

“The king informed me that after reflection it was not good to have organized (the party)”, explained Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in a letter to Parliament.

The future queen’s birthday took place outside in a park belonging to the palace last Saturday. Guests were asked to take a COVID-19 test, be vaccinated and respect social distancing.

The letter does not say how many guests attended the event, which was also criticized by several parliamentarians.

“If we make exceptions for the royal family, all our measures collapse,” said MP Eva van Esch of the “Partij voor de Dieren” (Party for the Animals).

Another MP, Caroline van der Plas of the BoerBurgerBeweging (Citizen Farmer Movement) party said many birthdays were postponed, adding that the family was unaware of their role as an example.

Amalia celebrated her 18th birthday on December 7 and immediately entered the Dutch Council of State, the government’s highest advisory body, where she automatically sits once she becomes an adult.

The celebrations surrounding Princess Amalia’s birthday follow a series of missteps by the Dutch monarchy during the pandemic, which impacted her popularity.

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