"We're not serious when you're seventeen" ... at 18 either.

But for a crown princess, the symbolism around this title often requires restraint.

The Dutch royal family expressed regret on Wednesday for having invited 21 people to the 18th birthday of the future Queen Amalia last week, well below what the health measures recommend.

In the Netherlands, citizens can in fact receive a maximum of four guests over the age of 13 at home.

"The (royal) family was convinced to treat the corona rules responsibly with this outdoor gathering and with the precautions taken," the Prime Minister explained in a letter to Parliament.

“The king informed me that after some thought it was not good to have organized this,” added Mark Rutte.

"Many birthdays are postponed"

The rally was held outside in a park belonging to the palace last Saturday. Guests were asked to take a test, were vaccinated, and were also asked to respect social distancing. The letter does not say how many people attended the event. "If we make exceptions for the royal family, all our measures fall apart," said MP Eva van Esch of the "Partij voor de Dieren" (Party for the animals, in French). "Many birthdays are postponed," said Caroline van der Plas, leader of the BoerBurgerBeweging (Citizen Farmer Movement), deeming the royal family "human, but not sufficiently aware of its role as an example".

Amalia celebrated her 18th birthday on December 7, and immediately entered the Dutch Council of State, the highest consultative body of the government, where she automatically sits after reaching her majority.

In a biography published in mid-November, the eldest of three daughters of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima had said that she would ask her mother to temporarily take her father's place on the throne if he came to the throne. suddenly die.

Amalia also waived her right to an annual income of 1.6 million euros in June before assuming royal duties.

Previous controversies

The celebrations surrounding Princess Amalia's birthday furthermore follow a series of missteps by the Dutch monarchy during the pandemic, which strongly marred its popularity.

In October 2020, when the Netherlands had just declared partial confinement, the royal family was forced to shorten a vacation in Greece, following an outcry when details of the stay were made public.

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