Buckingham Palace staff were left profoundly distressed by allegations that Boris Johnson attended a birthday gathering in Downing Street during the first national lockdown, according to fresh reports.
The incident, which allegedly occurred on June 19th, 2020, stands in stark contrast to the image of the Queen sitting alone in mourning at her husband Prince Philip's funeral just months earlier, adhering strictly to the government's own COVID-19 restrictions.
A Tale of Two Realities
While the nation was forbidden from mixing indoors with anyone outside their household or support bubble, it is claimed the then-Prime Minister was presented with a birthday cake and joined by colleagues inside No. 10. Singing of 'Happy Birthday' was also reported to have taken place, a direct breach of the guidelines at the time.
This revelation created a deep sense of hurt and anger within the royal household. Palace aides, who had worked tirelessly to ensure the monarch complied with the stringent rules, felt the reports showed a blatant disregard for the sacrifices made by millions across the country.
The Queen's Solitary Sacrifice
The image of Her Majesty, masked and isolated at the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh in April 2021, became a powerful symbol of collective national sacrifice. The rules she followed were designed by Mr Johnson's own government, making the allegations of his attendance at a social gathering all the more galling for palace officials.
The reported feelings of upset amongst royal staff highlight the profound emotional impact of the 'Partygate' scandal, extending far beyond the walls of Westminster and into the very heart of the establishment.
