A European monarch has admitted it was wrong to breach his country's Covid laws by hosting a party for his princess daughter.
Dutch royals celebrated Princess Amalia's milestone 18th birthday on Saturday with a glitzy garden party at a park near the palace.
A letter sent from Prime Minister Mark Rutte to other lawmakers said 21 guests attended the do.
Like many nations, the Netherlands is preparing for a wave of Omicron cases to overwhelm the healthcare system in the coming weeks.
The current Covid threat in the country is "level three", meaning the Dutch health service is facing "serious" pressure
In response, people are being asked to have no more than four visitors aged 13 or over in their home per day, CNN reports.
In the correspondence, Rutte said the princess's dad King Willem-Alexander admitted it wasn't appropriate to go ahead with the party.
The letter read: "The king informed me that on closer inspection it was not right to organise this.
"I think that's a sensible response."
According to Rutte, all guests were vaccinated, tested and adhered to social distancing measures. The park is also considered an extension of the royal family's home.
Previous celebrations for the princess's birthday had to be cancelled due to Covid and the weekend soiree was organised "last minute", Rutte adds.
In response to the current surge in cases, Holland has extended lockdown restrictions.
Restaurants, bars and non-essential shops have to be closed by 5pm until January 14, and people are being asked to stay home as much as possible.
On Tuesday, the government said they expect Omicron will be the dominant strain within the "coming weeks" - sparking a return to partial lockdown.
Politician Eva Van Esch, a member of the "Party for the Animals " (Partij Voor Dieren) said the royals should have set a better example.
IOn a statement, she said: "Setting a good example is essential for people in the Netherlands to comply with the measures, which apparently has not happened here," van Esch said in a statement.
"I understand that celebrating your 18th birthday is a milestone, but other 18-year-olds can't throw a party either."
Meanwhile, Brit monarchy insiders say Queen Elizabeth decided to cancel her family's pre-Christmas party to "set an example" for the public.
The monarch cancelled the do on Tuesday as Covid cases spiralled out of control throughout the country.
Her Majesty was weighing up whether to hold her traditional family get together next week but she has decided to shelve plans with coronavirus cases worse than ever.
The Queen has decided not to take the risk - but still intends on hosting her immediate family at Sandringham over the festive period.
