Dutch royals regret holding party amid surge in Covid cases

The Dutch royal family has expressed regret over last week's birthday party for the heir-apparent to the country's throne amid surging Covid cases.

The family said 21 guests - all vaccinated and tested - attended Princess Amalia's 18th birthday party in the palace gardens last Saturday.

The guests were also required to follow social distancing.

But King Willem-Alexander later admitted to Prime Minister Mark Rutte that the party was not appropriate.

"The King informed me that on reflection it was not a good idea to organise [the gathering]," Mr Rutte wrote in a letter to parliament.

"The family strived to treat the coronavirus rules responsibly with this outdoor gathering and by taking precautions," Mr Rutte added.

The Netherlands is currently under strict coronavirus restrictions after the country saw a surge in cases in November.