Downing Street staff reportedly partied the night away at two leaving parties the night before Prince Philip's funeral.

The nation was left heartbroken as they watched the 95 year old Queen sit by herself at the socially distanced funeral of her beloved husband on 17 April 2021 in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

While the Queen followed strict coronavirus restrictions, it has been claimed that in stark contrast, officials at No. 10 enjoyed boozy festivities as they bid farewell to Boris Johnson's top spin doctor and one of his photographers on April 16, 2021

The government's guidance at the time was: "You must not socialise indoors except with your household or support bubble" – however, those were allegedly not followed inside Downing Street.

According to The Daily Telegraph, advisers and civil servants at Downing Street held two different events – one for the photographer and one for the departing Director of Communications, James Slack.

The publication alleges that a laptop was placed on a photocopier with music blaring out at the photographer's leaving do.

It was also claimed that someone had headed to the Co-op supermarket on The Strand with a suitcase they packed with bottles of wine and took back to Downing Street.

Boris' Head of Operations Shelley Williams-Walker was said to be in charge of the music at the two events, which first started indoors before merging outside.

Prime Minister Boris was not at the alleged parties as he had left for his country retreat Chequers the previous day.

Speaking of the Slack's leaving party, a No10 spokeswoman said: "On this individual's last day, he gave a farewell speech to thank each team for the work they had done to support him, both those who had to be in the office for work and on a screen for those working from home."

This comes after Boris issued an apology after he attended a so-called "work event" during lockdown in May 2020.

The controversy comes after news broke last year that there was a Christmas party hosted at Number 10 in December 2020.

Meanwhile, the Queen bid a final farewell to her beloved husband, Prince Philip, at his funeral on the grounds of Windsor Castle in April last year.

The couple were married for 73 years.

Her Majesty selected a poignant picture of Prince Philip as a final tribute to her late husband.

The Royal Family Twitter account posted the photograph after the funeral, which saw Prince Philip tipping his hat and walking into the distance.

It was captioned: "In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. 1921-2021."

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