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.(BBC)…[+]