Prince Joachim fined €10,400 for breaching Spanish coronavirus restrictions

Prince Joachim of Belgium has been fined €10,400 by Spanish authorities for breaking the country's stay-at-home rules by attending a party with 26 other people.

The 28-year-old made headlines earlier this month when it emerged he had attended a private party with friends and family in Andalucia on 26 May. The following day, he showed symptoms of coronavirus and tested positive.

Joachim, who is King Philippe's nephew, was found guilty of breaching the coronavirus restrictions. He has 15 days to appeal against the fine, or if he pays on time, he is eligible for a 50% discount, bringing the amount down to €5,200.

The Belgian palace said Prince Joachim travelled to Spain to do an internship in a company and was attending a “family reunion”. His actions came under heavy criticism in Spain.

The prince, who is 10th in line to the Belgian throne, apologised for breaking Spain's strict lockdown rules, saying he "deeply regretted" his actions and "accepted all the consequences".