British socialite defends decision to travel during COVID restrictions

A British socialite has defended her decision to travel before COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, saying she was "following the rules in Croatia".

Tamara Ecclestone is a model, socialite, television personality, and the daughter of Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief executive of the Formula One Group, and Croatian model Slavica Ecclestone.

She was born in Italy but mainly resides in London, in a lavish home in Kensington Palce Gardens worth £45 million (AUD $82 million).

Ecclestone, 35, has come under fire for travelling to Croatia with her family, as well as her decision to keep her daughter Sophia, six, out of school, even though they reopened in the UK on June 1.

She responded to the criticisms on Instagram, saying: "Clearly this virus hasn't changed some people for the better, which is a bit of a shame. For those of you that are confused or just bitter, I didn't leave my house at all during lockdown. I didn't even go to the park or exercise.

"I am half Croatian so decided it would be best, safest to come here, which is not forbidden, and I am now following the rules in Croatia.

"As for the home school questions, a return to school was optional, we chose to continue to home-school Fifi. She is doing better than ever and has gone up two reading bands. If I am not mistaken, no one is obliged to follow me so you know what to do."

Ecclestone travelled to Croatia, her mother's native country, with husband Jay Rutland, 39, daughter Sophie, and sister Petra, 31. Petra's fiance Sam Palmer and their four children were also part of the group.

The family was photographed on Bernie Ecclestone's £28 million (AUD $51 million) 176-foot (53-metre) yacht with six cabins — plenty of room to accommodate the group.

Photos of the group showed them touring the historic town of Dubrovnik and visiting the markets.

In Croatia, the Institute of Public Health announced there would be "no bans, just precautions" on the country's beaches, including sun beds and towels being placed at a safe distance.

There have been a reported 103 deaths in Croatia from coronavirus as of last week.