Boy

His office said he wanted to apologise to the child and his family "for the hurt his words may have caused".

BBC reports the video also shows the Dalai Lama kissing the child on his lips.

"His Holiness often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras. He regrets the incident," his office said.

The footage has sparked widespread criticism, with many social media users saying it was inappropriate and disturbing.

A judge ruled the jab would reduce his chances of passing on any infection to the woman, who has advanced cancer.

Vaccines have been approved for Dutch 12-17-year-olds but under-17s need the consent of both parents.

Vaccine scepticism is increasing in the country.

Judge Bart Tromp of Groningen District Court said that the boy should be vaccinated promptly because his interests were more important than the father's concerns.