Boris Johnson and Queen Elizabeth.Photo: Jack Hill/WPA Pool/Getty Images
Boris Johnson’s office has apologized to Buckingham Palace for two parties thrown at U.K. government offices in 10 Downing Street on theeve of Prince Philip’s funeral, PEOPLE confirms.
The gatherings, which were first reported inThe Telegraphon Friday, took place on April 16, 2021, while theQueenand the royal family were preparing to lay theDuke of Edinburghto rest at Windsor Castle.
At the time, the U.K. was in a period of national mourning forPrince Philip, 99, with flags on all government buildings flown at half-mast. Royal mourners had also been politely asked to refrain from leaving flowers near the gates of Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.
“It’s deeply regrettable that this took place at a time of national mourning,” a spokesperson for Prime Minister Boris Johnson told U.K. journalists during their regular morning briefing on Friday. “No.10 has apologized to the palace for that.”
Johnson himself was reportedly not present at Downing Street during the events, which were thrown as going away parties for one of the Prime Minister’s official photographers and his former director of communications, James Slack.
The timing of the parties is particularly significant because they occurred at a time when the entire population of England was living under “step two” COVID regulations, which outlawed indoor mixing with anyone from outside their direct household or support bubble.
Queen Elizabeth sits alone at Prince Philip’s funeral.PA
Prince Harryalso went into self-isolation ahead of the funeral after traveling to the U.K. from his home in Montecito, California.
The news is just the latest in a string of revelations about lockdown-busting parties inside Downing Street. On Wednesday, this led to calls for Johnsonto resignafter he personally apologized to Parliament for spending 25 minutes at a “bring your own booze” party at his offices in May 2020.
“We thought it would be nice to make the most of the lovely weather,” the email added. “Please join us from 6pm and bring your own booze!”
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson told PEOPLE that they have no comment to make about the parties or the Downing Street apology.
source: people.com
