Royal slap: The prince fined thousands for breaking lockdown laws
A Belgian prince who contracted coronavirus after breaking lockdown rules in Spain has been fined 10,400 euros (NZ$18,300).
Prince Joachim was issued with the penalty after attending a private party in Córdoba with 27 guests on May 26, two days after arriving in the country for an internship. At the time, international arrivals were required to quarantine for 14 days, and gatherings were limited to a maximum of 15 attendees.
The day after the event, Joachim began experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, and later tested positive for COVID-19.
The 28-year-old prince, nephew of King Philippe and 10th in line to the throne, has since apologised.
“I would like to apologize for traveling and not having respected the quarantine measures,” Joachim said in a statement.
“I did not intend to offend or disrespect anyone in these very difficult times and deeply regret my actions and accept the consequences.”
Joachim has 15 days to pay or appeal the fine. According to El País, the amount of the fine will be reduced by half if he complies with the deadline.
He is the second member of the Belgian royal family to have contracted COVID-19, after Princess Claire.
More than 27,000 have died from coronavirus in Spain, while Belgium’s coronavirus death toll has passed 9,600.