DOWNING Street staff reportedly held two 'boozy parties' the night before the Queen sat on her own at Prince Philip's funeral.

The Telegraph tonight claimed that two leaving events were held on the evening of Friday, April 16 last year during a period of public mourning as well as lockdown.

The Queen's husband had died the previous week and his socially-distanced funeral would be the next day.

Eye-witnesses said 'excessive booze' was drunk, at points guests were dancing and one witness said the gathering ended 'well beyond midnight'.

Read more: Who could be Prime Minister if Boris Johnson resigns? Tory leadership contenders

 

According to witnesses, the two parties were held in different parts of Downing Street before joining together as the night went on.

Around 30 people are said to have attended the combined gatherings, one source told the paper.

In the basement of No 10, a source said there was a 'party atmosphere' with music blaring out.

Later in the night one person was reportedly sent to the Co-op to return with a suitcase full of wine for the party.

At that time the country was in step two of the roadmap out of lockdown, meaning indoor socialising was banned and only a group of six could meet outdoors.

A spokesperson for No 10 said Boris Johnson was not in Downing Street that day as he had departed to his country house, Chequers.

 

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