7 royals who faced Covid-19 scandals – from Prince William’s secret diagnosis to King Willem- Alexander of the Netherlands’ rule-breaking Greek holiday

Dec 28, 2021

From Prince William to Princess Catharina-Amalia, these royals faced Covid-19 scandals in 2021. Photos: AP; @MarieLoftus6/Twitter; @kingfelipevi_, @princess.catharinaamalia, @koninklijkhuis, @itsislaphillips/Instagram

Princess Catharina-Amalia’s family caused a stir after hosting her 18th birthday party with 21 guests, flouting the Netherlands’ social gathering rules

Queen Elizabeth’s grandson, Peter Phillips, was accused of breaking the rules after he travelled to Scotland, allegedly to visit rumoured love interest Lindsay Wallace

Just because you’re a blue blood doesn’t mean you’re immune to Covid-19. Royal families around the world have faced a number of positive cases – as well as a few coronavirus scandals. While many of us have been asked to stay at home and self-isolate, there are some royals who have flouted pandemic protocols – only to have it backfire massively in the court of public opinion.

Here are six royals who found themselves at the heart of Covid-19 scandals.

1. Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands

Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands and her family held a birthday party during a Covid-19 surge. Photo: @princess.catharinaamalia/ Instagram

Earlier this month, Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands drew the ire of many when her family hosted a party in honour of her 18th birthday on December 7. The event, which the Dutch Palace claims was attended by 21 guests – all vaccinated and tested – took place just as the country had implemented strict social gathering restrictions as Covid-19 cases rose, with no more than four visitors permitted at a time in someone’s home.

King Willem-Alexander (right) and Queen Maxima (left) of the Netherlands, along with their three daughters, princesses Amalia, Alexia and Ariane. Photo: AFP

The princess’ father, King Willem-Alexander, reportedly told Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte that he regretted organising the gathering.

2. King Willem-Alexander of Netherlands

Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima faced public backlash for their holiday to Greece. Photo: Getty Images

The birthday party incident wasn’t the first time that the Dutch king apologised for breaking Covid-19 rules. In October 2020, King Willem-Alexander, along with his wife Queen Maxima, found themselves in a firestorm of bad press following an ill-advised family holiday to Greece.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands faced criticism for travelling during the pandemic in October 2020. Photo: @joydreamslink/Instagram