Belgian prince tests positive for COVID-19 after attending ‘rule-breaking’ party

A Belgian prince has tested positive for coronavirus after attending a party in Spain, which local media have reported as breaking lockdown rules.

Prince Joachim, 28, attended the gathering in the city of Cordoba on 26 May, a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said.

The prince, who is the nephew of Belgium’s King Phillipe and tenth in line to the throne, is now in quarantine with reportedly mild symptoms.

El Pais newspaper said there were 27 people at the party – although local lockdown rules only permit gatherings of up to 15 people.

Spanish police have launched an investigation and those who breached restrictions could be fined between €600 (£540) and €10,000 (£8,997).

A palace spokesperson could not confirm the number of people in attendance at the party.

They said Prince Joachim had travelled to Spain from Belgium on 24 May for an internship and was still there.