Vogue Williams has insisted she didn’t break any government rules when flying to St Barts to spend the New Year in the Caribbean with her in-laws.
The TV and radio star, 35, defended her trip as she took to her Instagram Stories on Saturday evening after being accused of flouting coronavirus restrictions to travel.
Vogue recently faced backlash as it was claimed last week she’d broken the rules on travelling while London was in Tier 4 by flying abroad for the family break.
Hitting back! Vogue Williams has insisted she didn’t break any government rules when flying to St Barts to spend the New Year in the Caribbean with her in-laws (pictured with eldest child Theodore, two, on Tuesday)
However Vogue defiantly stated their family holiday was within the guidelines and wrote on social media: ‘I would like to assure my lovely Instagram family that I have not broken the government guidelines since rules and guidance came into effect last March.
‘I also had Covid tests to ensure I travelled safely and I adhered to all safety guidelines recommended. It’s not ideal to be away working during these times but it had been booked since last year…’
Vogue has been living it up in the French Caribbean where Spencer’s family own exclusive resort Eden Rock, despite rules advising against all but essential travel from the UK.
‘I have not broken the government guidelines!’: The TV and radio star, 35, defended her trip as she took to her Instagram Stories on Saturday evening after being accused of flouting coronavirus restrictions to travel
Backlash: Vogue recently faced backlash as it was claimed last week she’d broken the rules on travelling while London was in Tier 4 by flying abroad for the family break (her husband Spencer Matthews pictured)
At the time of the their flight, travel abroad for leisure was banned under Tier 4 guidelines. Travel exceptions were only allowed for reasons such as work, education and childcare.
Travel for leisure is now totally banned in the UK following the third nationwide lockdown.
Vogue was last spotted in London hours after the capital entered into Tier 4 restrictions on Sunday, December 20.
The trip came after Vogue lamented the new restrictions – and expressed her sadness that she would not make it home to Ireland for Christmas.
Nothing to see here! However Vogue defiantly stated their family holiday was within the guidelines and wrote on social media that it has been ‘booked since last year’
Despite being an active social media user, the star had thus far, made no mention of her trip on Instagram.
MailOnline contacted representatives for Vogue for comment at the time.
Vogue is a frequent visitor to St. Barts as her husband Spencer’s parents own the five-star Eden Rock hotel on the island.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel to St Martin and St Barts.
All travellers over the age of 11 must undertake an obligatory test for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure for St Martin & St Barthélemy. The traveller must show proof of a negative result before embarking.
Travellers must also provide a self -certified document stating that they have no COVID symptoms and that to their knowledge they have not been in contact with any person confirmed positive within the last 14 days.
In Tier 4, no household mixing was allowed, though one person can meet one other person outside in a public space, while all non-essential shops and businesses closed, including personal care and indoor entertainment.
Nobody could enter or leave Tier 4 areas and residents must not stay overnight away from home.
In the ‘very high’ alert level, no household mixing was allowed indoors or outdoors, except in parks and public gardens.
All hospitality was closed, except for takeaways and deliveries, and accommodation and entertainment venues must shut.
Vogue shared her disappointment following the UK government’s announcement that London and the South East were being plunged into strict Tier 4 restrictions from midnight, but made no mention of her impending break.
Posting on her Instagram Stories, Vogue wrote: ‘Feeling so sad for those who can’t spend Christmas with family. Also so sad for those with businesses having to close again.’
‘I hope everyone can still enjoy themselves whatever they do. I wonder if I’ll ever get back to Ireland. I was meant to be there until yesterday but had to cancel again. Stay positive everyone,’ she wrote alongisde a crying emoji.
Since the family have been in St Barts it has been reported in the UK that returning residents may need a negative COVID test result to reenter the country.