Boris Johnson apologizes to the royal family for a lockdown party on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral

Boris Johnson’s office on Friday apologized to the royal family for having a staff party on the eve of Prince Philip’s funeral last year and breaching the current lockdown regulations.

On April 16, 2021, Johnson’s office held a farewell party for two staffers despite the social distancing regulations that were in place to slow down the spread of the virus. The party included late-night drinking and dancing. A staff member was also sent to a nearby shop to fill up a suitcase with bottles of wine.

The next day the Queen was seen sitting alone at her husband’s funeral, following the strict distancing rules in place. The funeral’s limited attendance created a contrast between the Queen’s and Johnson’s actions, causing public anger towards the prime minister.

“It’s deeply regrettable that this took place at a time of national mourning and No. 10 has apologized to the palace," said Johnson’s spokesman Jamie Davies.

“I am deeply sorry, and take full responsibility,” said Johnson’s former communications director James Slack, apologizing for the incident.

This was not the only party held at Downing Street that broke lockdown regulations. Earlier this week, Johnson also apologized for hosting a garden party at No.10 in May 2020. The invitation, sent by Johnson’s private secretary, Martin Reynolds, was sent to more than 100 staffers and encouraged them to bring their own booze.

According to Johnson’s office, the prime minister was not present at either party and was unaware of the gatherings happening that day.

For most of the pandemic, Britain enforced strict COVID-19 regulations. People were banned from meeting more than one person outside of their household. In April, indoor social events were banned and outdoor gatherings were limited to groups of six people.

“We were asking people all over our country to make massive sacrifices, people in rural Sutton Coldfield to make massive sacrifices, over the last two years. I think we have the right to expect everybody in government and in those positions of leadership to follow those same rules and guidelines as well,” said Simon Ward, a Conservative local councilor.