Princess Beatrice has caused an uproar by going out to dine with five other people last Wednesday.
The royal was spotted out in London at a gathering with five of her friends, including fashion designer Peter Dundas who later posted a photo of the pair on Instagram to say he was “catching up” with Princess Beatrice.
Onlookers at the restaurant claimed that Princess Beatrice — who made headlines earlier this year when she married Edoardo Mozzi amid the coronavirus pandemic — laughed and chatted with friends, and the group was served alcohol.
A person, who was in the restaurant, told The Sun: “I couldn’t believe my eyes. If the Royal Family can’t get coronavirus rules right, what hope for the rest of us? There is a very serious side to this, and Beatrice deserves a ticking off.”
However, other sources claim the gathering was a business meeting — which would mean it was allowed under the Tier 2 coronavirus restrictions in London.
A rep for Queen Elizabeth‘s granddaughter denied the rumors by saying: “This was a midweek Wednesday evening, work-related, business development dinner. It was held in compliance with all government guidelines, the dinner was held in the early evening, and all parties left in good time before the government curfew. Strict masks were worn in line with the government advice.”
Under Tier 2 restrictions, restaurants can remain open if they serve a substantial meal, and people can go out and dine — but only with members of their own household or support bubble.
The people dining with Princess Beatrice are not thought to be from the same household, although it is not known whether any of them had formed a support bubble.
Going out for dinner was not the only part of Princess Beatrice’s night that ruffled some feathers on social media.
In the photo shared by Mr. Dundas on Instagram, Princess Beatrice can be seen wearing a patterned face mask, but the two friends are not adhering to social distancing guidelines on staying 6 feet apart.
Standing closely together, both high-profile figures came under fire for setting a bad example on social distancing amid the pandemic.
Following a rise in coronavirus infections in the capital, London will enter into Tier 3 restrictions on Wednesday.
Tier 3, which is the highest level of restrictions in England, will see bars and restaurants close their doors and offer a takeout and delivery service only.
