A rumoured fairytale love story between a Dutch Princess and the Belgian Prince could be destroyed by 200-year-old law.

German and Argentinian media outlets began reporting on Wednesday (10th November) that Prince Gabriel of Belgium, 18, who is the son of the current King of Belgium, Philippe, might be in a relationship with the Crown Princess of the Netherlands, Amalia, 17.

German media outlet Gala originally reported that Belgian Prince Gabriel and Dutch Princess Amalia are rumoured to be in love and in a fledgling relationship, reporting that the pair know each other well and had visited each other in the past on a regular basis in the company of their parents.

There has not been official confirmation of this rumour yet, but local media outlet HLN has reported that a 200-year-old law could put an end to their rumoured relationship.

The law dates back to 24th November 1830 and states that members of the Belgian and Dutch Royal families are not allowed to marry each other.

Herman De Croo, a former president of the Belgian Parliament, is quoted as saying: “We just can’t get away with it. It can set precedents: if you are reviewing this topic, why not another?

“When in reality it is impossible to keep it, and it would be humane to adapt it. Today we have good contacts with the Dutch royal family. But on paper, it’s in the law. The wrinkles of history have since been smoothed over.”