Boris Johnson apologises to Queen for Downing Street parties before Prince Philip’s funeral

Boris Johnson has apologised to the Queen over two parties held at Downing Street the night before Prince Philip’s socially-distanced funeral as he fights to keep his job.

Under fire British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologised to the Queen after revelations his staff broke coronavirus restrictions by partying at Downing Street the night before Prince Philip’s socially-distanced funeral.

“It is deeply regrettable that this took place at a time of national mourning and Number 10 (Downing Street) has apologised to the palace,” Mr Johnson’s spokesman told reporters.

The message to the 95-year-old monarch is understood to have been sent through official channels by telephone and not personally sent by Mr Johnson, who is under growing pressure to quit after a slew of similar allegations.

He has so far tried to weather the storm of public and political outrage, apologising in parliament this week for attending one of the gatherings in May 2020 but insisting it was a work event.

Boris Johnson has apologised to the Queen over Downing Street parties that took place the night before Prince Philip’s socially-distanced funeral. Picture: Getty Images

Although Mr Johnson was not at either of two Downing Street parties nearly a year later — on April 16, 2021, as the Queen prepared to bury her husband of 73 years — it takes the scandal to another level.

Prince Philip’s funeral at Windsor Castle was limited to just 30 guests due to government Covid rules, forcing the Queen to sit alone in a church pew to mourn.

A similar number of Mr Johnson’s staff held separate boozy bashes just hours earlier, with music, dancing and alcohol allegedly bought at a supermarket and smuggled into Downing Street in a suitcase.

At the time of Prince Philip’s funeral, England was grappling strict restrictions as part of Mr Johnson’s road map out of lockdown.

Indoor mixing was banned unless in a household or support bubble and groups of six were able to meet outdoors.

Images of the Queen sitting alone at her husband’s funeral broke hearts around the world. Picture: Getty Images

The two parties at Downing Street are now being investigated by civil servant Sue Gray, who is already probing a list of alleged lockdown-busting bashes.

She has reportedly not found enough evidence of criminality to refer the matter to police.

Mr Johnson, who is currently isolating due to a close family member contracting coronavirus, was at his official country residence at the time, his spokesman said.

He declined to say whether Mr Johnson had been aware of the parties, insisting an internal probe must establish all the facts around the various “partygate” claims.

One of the parties was held for his former director of communications, James Slack, while the other bid farewell to one of Mr Johnson’s personal photographers.

Downing Street confirmed a speech was made at the former but did not comment on the photographer’s leaving party.

The Queen and Boris Johnson greet guests during a reception for international business and investment leaders at Windsor Castle last October. Picture: Getty Images

“On this individual’s last day he gave a farewell speech to thank each team for the work they had done to support him, both those who had to be in the office for work and on a screen for those working from home,” a government spokesman said.

Mr Slack, who is now Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Sun, said: “I wish to apologise unreservedly for the anger and hurt caused. This event should not have happened at the time that it did. I am deeply sorry, and take full responsibility.”

It comes after Mr Johnson apologised earlier in the week during a fiery parliament session for attending a party at No10 in May 2020.

‘MORAL VACUUM’

All three of Britain’s main opposition parties have demanded Mr Johnson’s resignation. Five of his own Conservative MPs have publicly called for him to quit.

Andrew Bridgen, a previously loyal supporter, on Friday local time became the latest Tory MP to confirm he had submitted a no confidence letter in Mr Johnson to a powerful committee of rank-and-file Conservative MPs.

If 15 per cent, or 54, of the 360 Conservative MPs in parliament do the same, it will trigger an internal leadership contest — if Mr Johnson opts not to quit.

The Queen and Boris Johnson with world leaders at the G7 summit last June. Picture: AFP

The Daily Telegraph, for whom he used to work and which first disclosed the latest party revelations, reported as many as 30 MPs had already sent letters.

Mr Bridgen — a staunch supporter of Brexit, which swept Mr Johnson to power in 2019 — wrote in the newspaper there was currently “a moral vacuum at the heart of our government”.

Most cabinet members have rallied around the prime minister but the backing from potential successors such as finance minister Rishi Sunak has been distinctly lukewarm.

‘DISDAIN’

The party reportedly merged with another event marking the departure of one of Mr Johnson’s personal photographers.

Government guidance at the time outlawed socialising except with your household or support bubble. That saw thousands of families unable to visit loved ones sick or dying with Covid, or even attend their funerals.

Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the main opposition Labour Party, and others seized on the revelations, arguing they showed a culture of double standards at the heart of government.

The Queen travels to Prince Philip’s funeral. Just 30 people were allowed to attend for the socially-distanced service. Picture: Getty Images

“The Queen sat alone in mourning like so many did at the time with personal trauma and sacrifice to keep to the rules in the national interest,” Ms Rayner said.

“I have no words for the culture and behaviours at Number 10 and the buck stops with the PM.”

Fran Hall, from the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group, said: “For the people running the country to do it and then lie about it, shows a complete disdain for the general public.”

Voters in Mr Johnson’s northwest London constituency were largely unsympathetic. “I think he should resign,” John Taylor, 80, who voted for Mr Johnson in 2019, told reporters.

“He let people down, particularly people who in some way have suffered through this Covid.” Veronica Machu, another traditional Tory voter, agreed “people are angry” locally, but predicted Mr Johnson would “keep saying sorry” and attempt to cling on.

However, nationwide his poll ratings have nosedived since “partygate” allegations emerged last month.

A poll by YouGov in The Times newspaper gave Labour a 10-point lead over the Tories, its biggest margin since 2013, and said six out of 10 voters believe Mr Johnson should resign.

Originally published as Boris Johnson apologises to Queen for Downing Street parties before Prince Philip’s funeral