Prime Minister Boris Johnson has thanked the NHS for treating him when he was suffering with coronavirus, and for its part in the birth of his son.
Mr Johnson’s fiancee Carrie Symonds gave birth to a boy at an NHS hospital in London on Wednesday morning, and both mother and baby are said to be “doing very well”.
The news of the birth came just weeks after the PM was discharged from intensive care where he had been battling Covid-19.
Leading his first Downing Street press briefing since recovering from coronavirus, Mr Johnson paid tribute to the health service.
Mr Johnson, 55, and Ms Symonds, 32, announced in February that they were expecting a baby in “early summer”, and that they had become engaged at the end of last year.
Mr Johnson was present throughout the birth. The baby’s name is not yet known.
I’d like to say thank you to all the brilliant NHS staff taking care of me and others in this difficult time. You are the best of Britain.
Stay safe everyone, and please remember to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) April 6, 2020
The PM’s father, Stanley Johnson, told the PA news agency he was “absolutely delighted” and “thrilled” by the birth of his grandson.
The Queen has sent a private message of good wishes to congratulate the couple on the birth of their son, Buckingham Palace said.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister, who is currently grappling with the coronavirus crisis, would take a “short period” of paternity leave later in the year.
Downing Street declined to say whether the baby was born prematurely and the spokesman was unable to provide details of the weight, timing, nature or location of the birth.
