‘It’s an interesting time to do it’: Susanna Reid leads questions over Charles and Camilla trip to Greece

From Monday 29, international travel can result in a £5,000 fine

(AFP via Getty Images)

Prince Charles and Camilla have taken a trip to Greece as part of a royal engagement this week, but some have criticised the royals decision to travel during the ongoing lockdown in England.

The two-day trip sees the royal couple visit Athens, attend a reception at the National Gallery of Greece, watch a military parade for Greek Independence Day and take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier.

On Wednesday (24 March), Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were invited to a state dinner hosted by President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

The Prince of Wales made a speech in front of the 45 guests, in which he described the ties between Greece and Britain as “strong and vital” and said the country holds “the most special place in my heart”.

However, their decision to travel has raised questions as next week, overseas holidays in England and Wales could result in a £5,000 fine.

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The Health Protection Regulations 2021, due to come in on Monday 29 March, will place restrictions on leaving the UK “without a reasonable excuse” to replace the current stay-at-home order.

Currently, under lockdown rules “you can only travel internationally where you have a legally permitted reason to do so, such as work,” says the government. Although this is a formal engagement, it has raised questions.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Thursday, host Susanna Reid commented on the royal trip, given it’s “unlikely” Brits will be allowed to travel for summer holidays this year.

She said: “Again, it is an issue of restrictions and what we’re allowed to do and the royals are allowed to go to Greece right now.

“They are there on a two-day trip to celebrate the Bicentenary of Greece’s Independence and so a lovely trip for them!

“They’re doing their international duty of course, masked and distanced, but it’s an interesting time to do it, isn’t it when the country’s been told that from Monday there will be a £5,000 fine if you go on holiday.”

The presenter then asked her colleague: “Are we being churlish by saying that there’s one rule for royals, or if you have essential work reasons, and for everybody else holidays are unlikely?”

There is discontent about the trip among some members of the public. One social media user called the trip “so wrong”.

Another said: “I am a fan of the Royals, but Charles and Camilla tottering off to Greece is so ill judged.”

A spokesperson for Clarence House told The Independent: “This is a working visit being undertaken at the request of the British government.”

The trip comes the day after it was announced Prince Harry will be taking on two new jobs: one as chief impact officer for BetterUp, a mental health service, and another at the Aspen Institute as a commissioner on “information disorder” and misinformation.