Downing Street apologizes to Queen for lockdown parties

London: Downing Street has apologized to Queen Elizabeth II for hosting two staff parties on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021 when Covid-19 rules barred indoor socializing.

“It is deeply regrettable that this took place at a time of national mourning and Number 10 has apologized to the Palace,” a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters.

The gatherings took place on April 16, 2021, and continued into the early hours, The Telegraph newspaper said.

Johnson did not attend either party as he was not in Downing Street, where he both lives and works, on April 16, the spokesperson added.

The revelation came as reports about a string of lockdown-breaching gatherings organized by Downing Street officials over the past two years have enraged the British public and threatened Johnson’s premiership, Xinhua news agency reported.

The UK Prime Minister apologized for attending a Downing Street garden party on May 20, 2020, during the country’s first lockdown. He said he believed it was a work event and stayed for only 25 minutes.

Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, said Johnson’s excuse was “offensive” to the British public and called on him to resign.

The UK Prime Minister insisted that people should “wait” until Sue Gray, the senior civil servant tasked with investigating the reported parties in Downing Street, delivers her report.

Pressure has been mounting for Johnson to resign following the revelations.

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