Queen allows Johnson to exercise at palace
THE Queen has given permission for the Prime Minister to exercise in the grounds of Buckingham Palace as he continues his recovery from Covid-19.
Boris Johnson has been allowed to make use of the royal grounds, amid security concerns over his habit of running in public spaces.
He was photographed arriving at a side entrance to the palace in an armoured Range Rover yesterday, returning to Downing Street in a red T-shirt, blue shorts and trainers.
A royal source confirmed that Mr Johnson had been granted permission to use the garden for exercise, adding that “from time to time” the Queen had offered the facilities to prime ministers.
A government source said: “The Prime Minister has been exercising in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. It’s obviously important that the Prime Minister is able to take exercise.” The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are currently living at Windsor Castle in isolation under lockdown guidance.
Mr Johnson, who is back at work after a serious bout of Covid-19, has recently been seen jogging with his dog Dilyn in the grounds of Lambeth Palace, with permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Already a keen runner, Mr Johnson is understood to be particularly eager to regain his fitness after his illness, which required a stay in the intensive care unit of St Thomas’ Hospital.
At this time of year, the palace would usually be welcoming members of the public into the grounds for a series of garden parties hosted by the Queen.
Its summer opening, from July to October, has tourists flocking to see the state rooms and an exhibition, this year focusing on royal animals.
All have been cancelled as staff follow guidance on public gatherings.