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Queen allows Boris Johnson to exercise in Buckingham Palace grounds

Boris Johnson returns to Downing Street in his running kit -  London News Pictures
Boris Johnson returns to Downing Street in his running kit - London News Pictures

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 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 (tues), returning to Downing Street in a red t-shirt, blue shorts and trainers.

As well as a large garden, the palace also has an outdoor tennis court, with Mr Johnson known to be a fan of the sport.

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 previous 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."

A car carrying the Prime Minister arrives at a side entrance to Buckingham Palace -  London News Pictures
A car carrying the Prime Minister arrives at a side entrance to Buckingham Palace - London News Pictures

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are currently living at Windsor Castle in isolation under the coronavirus lockdown guidance.

She has been working from her private apartments there, and has been speaking to her Prime Minister over the telephone in lieu of their weekly audience in person.

Mr Johnson, who is back at work having recovered from a serious bout of Covid-19, has been seen regularly exercising in public where he has been stopped by members of the public.

He has recently been seen jogging with his dog Dilyn in the grounds of Lambeth Palace, with permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Yesterday, he was photographed in casual sportswear with at least one companion, a woman in training gear.

His car was spotted at a side entrance to Buckingham Palace in the morning.

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’s 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.

Boris Johnson jogging near St James Park in February 2017 - Steve Back
Boris Johnson jogging near St James Park in February 2017 - Steve Back

Its summer opening, from July to October, sees tourists flocking to see the State rooms and a special exhibition, which was this year focused on “Royal Animals”.

All have been cancelled as staff follow guidance on public gatherings.

According to the Mail on Sunday, Mr Johnson, 55, is on a keep-fit mission following his hospitalisation, with a new mantra: "Don't be a fatty in your 50s."

His usual method of jogging around parks with the public was ruled out over security concerns, it was said, leaving him instead working out with a personal trainer in the Lambeth Palace private gardens.

The Queen, meanwhile, is said to be taking daily exercise by riding at Windsor under strict conditions to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Under plans colloquially known as "HMS Bubble", the 94-year-old is being looked after by staff who work on a three-week rotation to isolate in the castle.