King Willem-Alexander has condemned gossip magazine Privé for publishing a photo showing princess Alexia with pop singer Antoon, saying the move was an abuse of press freedom.

The king made his remarks after a talk to students at the Fontys journalism school in Tilburg, where he was asked whether he planned to take legal action.

“Freedom of the press and freedom of expression are so important to expose abuses in society,” the king said. “They are the most important elements of a democratic rule of law. And they are too important to be misused by violating someone’s privacy and making money.”

The 20-year-old princess, who is studying in London, was spotted with the 23-year-old singer in September, prompting speculation in gossip magazines and other media. Last week Privé ran a front-page photo of the pair getting into a car together.

Editor-in-chief Evert Santegoeds told television programme Shownieuws that publishing the pictures was a risky decision under the so-called media code, which aims to protect the royal family’s private lives.

“I’ve often been in court and know what the consequences of the media code can be,” he said. “But our lawyers told us: just do it.”

The code, introduced in 2005 by the government’s information service RVD, is not legally binding.

The code states the press will not photograph members of the royal household during private events in return for access at a couple of formal photo shoots a year. Media which refuse to comply can be excluded from the twice-yearly events.

Santegoeds told Shownieuws he has not yet heard from the RVD about the privacy breach.