The royal household has expressed deep dismay over revelations that Prime Minister Boris Johnson held a birthday party during lockdown in 2020, in apparent breach of the strict rules his own government imposed on the public.
Sources close to Buckingham Palace said the Queen and senior royals were 'very disappointed' to learn that the Prime Minister had gathered with staff and family in the Downing Street garden on 19 June 2020, when indoor socialising was banned and outdoor gatherings were limited to two people.
The party, which reportedly included cake and a rendition of 'Happy Birthday', was attended by around 30 people, including Johnson's wife Carrie and several aides. At the time, the UK was under strict lockdown rules that prohibited gatherings of more than two people from different households.
Downing Street initially denied any rule-breaking, but later admitted the event took place, with Johnson saying he 'did not believe he was breaking the rules'. However, the Metropolitan Police have since confirmed they are investigating the gathering as a potential breach of Covid regulations.
The Palace's reaction adds to mounting pressure on Johnson, who is already facing calls to resign over a series of lockdown parties held in Downing Street and Whitehall throughout 2020. An internal investigation led by senior civil servant Sue Gray is ongoing.
Opposition MPs have seized on the royal disapproval, with Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner saying it shows 'the Prime Minister has lost the trust of the entire country'. The government has declined to comment on the Palace's reported upset.
