Belgian prince apologises for attending party in Spain after catching coronavirus

A Belgian prince has apologised for attending a party in Spain after contracting coronavirus.

Prince Joachim, 28, tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend after travelling to Cordoba and attending a party that is reported to have broken lockdown rules because of the number of people there.

He also failed to follow Spanish guidance on quarantining when he arrived in the country.

In a statement, he said: “I apologise for not respecting all quarantine measures during my trip. In these difficult times I did not want to offend anyone. I deeply regret my actions and will bear the consequences.”

Joachim is King Philippe’s nephew and is 10th in line to the throne.

A spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace confirmed the prince travelled to Spain on 24 May for an internship and was still there.

Read more: Queen seen in public for first time since coronavirus lockdown began

Spanish paper El Pais said the prince attended the party along with 26 other people on 26 May.

In Cordoba, the current maximum number of people allowed at one gathering is 15.

Reuters reported that Spanish police have launched an investigation into the incident and those who breached restrictions could face fines of between €600 (£538) and €10,000 (£8,970).

All those who attended the party are now in quarantine.

Rafaela Valenzuela, the Spanish government’s regional envoy in Cordoba, said: “I feel surprised and angry. An incident of this type stands out at a moment of national mourning for so many dead.”

She said the party was “completely irresponsible”.

More than 27,000 people have died in Spain as a result of coronavirus. The nation is lifting lockdown after having some of the strictest rules in Europe.

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