Prince Joachim of Belgium, King Philippe’s nephew, has apologised for not respecting the quarantine measures while in Spain.
In a press release sent out by his attorney, His Royal Highness 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 accept the consequences. Joachim from Belgium.”
The 28-year-old Prince attended a private party in the country last week and has since been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Embed from Getty ImagesHis parents, Prince Lorenz and Princess Astrid, have since tested negative for the virus, the Royal Court told Nieuws Blad.
Spanish newspaper El Confidencial obtained an internal document from the Andalusian government which states that 27 people held a private party in a residence in Cordoba. Gatherings of over 15 people are still not allowed in Spain. The authorities have opened an investigation into the party and meanwhile all 27 people will have to be quarantined.
Prince Joachim is the youngest son of King Philippe’s sister, Princess Astrid and her husband Prince Lorenz, Archduke of Austria-Este. He is currently 10th in the Belgian line of succession. Not much is known about his private life, but it has been reported that he is dating a Spanish woman living in Cordoba.
The Belgian Royal Court stated that, until the party, Prince Joachim had adhered to the coronavirus measures taken by the Belgian government. He had been living in self-isolation with his parents in Laeken. He flew to Spain two days before the party and started showing symptoms the following day. His diagnosis was confirmed following a test on Friday.
The Belgian Royal Court has not confirmed how serious the symptoms are.
Additional reporting by Moniek Bloks
