On April 16, two parties were held until late at night at the government headquarters
The British Government has formally apologized to Queen Elizabeth II for two parties that took place at her Downing Street headquarters on April 16, the day before the funeral of Prince Philip of Edinburgh and when the United Kingdom was in mourning, reported this Friday a spokesman.
The source said the events, in which Prime Minister Boris Johnson was not present, were “regrettable” and confirmed that apologies have been made to the palace.
On April 17, Elizabeth II, 95, attended her husband’s funeral at Windsor Castle, sitting alone and wearing a mask, in compliance with pandemic restrictions that members of the Executive ignored.
“It is very unfortunate that this took place at a time of national mourning and 10 Downing Street (Johnson’s official office) has apologized to the palace,” the spokesman told the media.
“You heard the prime minister this week, he has recognized that Downing Street must be held to the highest standards and take responsibility for things that were not done right,” he added.
The newspaper The Daily Telegraph revealed last night that two late-night parties were held at government headquarters on April 16, one to fire Johnson’s then communications director, James Slack, and another for an official photographer.
In a statement released today by News UK, publisher of the newspaper The Sun, of which he is now deputy director, Slack takes “full responsibility” for an event that “should not have happened.”
“I want to apologize unreservedly for the outrage and pain caused. That event should not have happened at that time. I am very sorry and I take full responsibility,” the journalist declares.
Slack indicates that it cannot comment further until senior official Sue Gray concludes her internal investigation within days into several celebrations in Downing Street that allegedly breached health and social regulations, including one on May 20, 2020 to which Johnson admits to having attended.
The news of these last two parties organized while the monarchy mourned the death of Prince Philip on April 9 at the age of 99 adds pressure on the “tory” leader, whose resignation has been requested by the opposition and some conservative deputies. (I)
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