Downing Street has apologised to Buckingham Palace for two staff parties in No 10 the night before Prince Philip’s funeral.
The gatherings, first reported by The Telegraph, took place on 16 April 2021 and went on until the early hours.
The PM’s spokesman said it was “deeply regrettable that this took place at a time of national mourning”.
Boris Johnson was not at either party – but he faces questions over alleged Covid rule-breaking at No 10.
The latest party revelations led to a backlash from opposition parties, who contrasted the behaviour of No 10 staff with pictures of the Queen sitting alone at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, due to Covid restrictions.
The two staff get-togethers, on 16 April last year, took place at a time when Covid restrictions banned indoor socialising.
They have been added to the list of gatherings in government buildings being investigated by senior civil servant Sue Gray.
After the apology, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “This shows just how seriously Boris Johnson has degraded the office of prime minister.
“The Conservatives have let Britain down. An apology isn’t the only thing the prime minister should be offering the palace today.
“Boris Johnson should do the decent thing and resign.”

It is understood that the apology to the Palace was made by government officials.
Asked why No 10 had apologised rather than Boris Johnson himself, his spokesman told reporters: “Well, again, the prime minister said earlier misjudgements have been made and it’s right people apologise, as the PM did earlier this week.”
The spokesman says he could not prejudge Sue Gray’s inquiry, but added: “We acknowledge the significant public anger, it was regrettable this took place a time of national mourning.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called on Mr Johnson to apologise personally to the Queen “for the offence he’s caused her and millions around the country mourning for loved ones”.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said she was “very concerned” about the latest revelations, and understood that “people across the country are angry”.
She also urged people to wait for Ms Gray’s inquiry, but added: “we are very clear that there were real mistakes made”.
Latest Stories
- Don’t behave like Finance Ministry is your personal property – Kpebu tells Ofori-Atta over nonpayment of matured coupons
12 mins - Glory to God – Social media users rejoice after Christian Atsu found alive
26 mins - Put hefty taxes on alcohol, cigarettes to generate funds money to fight cancer
37 mins - Total household spending falls by 11% in 2022 – UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce survey
42 mins - NDC to consider reforms for selecting leaders in Parliament – National Council of Elders
46 mins - We want to make VAR interventions more understandable for spectators – Pierluigi Collina
1 hour - 2022/23 betPawa PL: Mukwala nets brace as Kotoko run riot against Accra Lions
1 hour - Parliament resumes from recess today
1 hour - ‘You are free to sign DDEP is not the same as exemption’ – Dr Adu Anane Antwi
2 hours - Stonebwoy shares pictures of red carpet moments at 2023 Grammys
2 hours - Ghana Gas to build second Processing Plant; 1.5k jobs assured
2 hours - Remarkable progress with ongoing IMF programme is significant to recovery efforts; momentum must be sustained – Ofori-Atta
2 hours - The origin of Hiplife: How rapping in Twi ‘blew people’s minds’
2 hours - Family of Thomas Sankara boycotts burial plans
3 hours - Court reinstates sacked anti-corruption chief
3 hours