Boris Johnson spent weekend visiting Queen at Balmoral, Downing Street confirms

Boris Johnson spent the weekend with the Queen at her Scottish estate, Downing Street has confirmed.

The prime minister's spokesman said Mr Johnson arrived at Balmoral on Saturday and returned to London on Monday morning ahead of parliament re-starting, but would not say what the visit was about.

"The PM was in Balmoral over the weekend. It was an entirely private visit," the spokesman said.

He would not confirm reports Mr Johnson went to visit the Queen, 95, with his pregnant wife, Carrie, and their 16-month-old son, Wilfred.

The Queen has made a tradition of inviting the sitting prime minister to Scotland for a weekend each summer.

Mr and Mrs Johnson, who got married in May, last visited Balmoral in 2019 as last year's trip was cancelled due to the pandemic.

It is understood this year's visit was the Queen's first opportunity to be introduced to Wilfred.

Every year, the Queen spends the summer break at Balmoral, where members of the Royal Family visit.

This summer is her first trip to the castle and 7,000-acre Aberdeenshire estate since Prince Philip died in April at the age of 99.

They were able to have a final summer together in Scotland, with staff forming a "Balmoral bubble" while visitors had to social distance.

Ahead of her journey to Balmoral from Windsor Castle in July, the Royal Family shared a photo of the Queen and Prince Philip relaxing on a hill in Scotland.