Beaming Boris Johnson pictured back at work hours after fiancée gives birth to boy

Boris Johnson beams back in Number 10 Downing Street hours after his fiancée Carrie Symonds gave birth.

But despite the good news, the Prime Minister returned to work today to continue to grapple with the coronavirus crisis.

Instead, it is believed the 55-year-old politician will take a "short period" of paternity leave later in the year.

Miss Symonds, 32, gave birth to a boy at an NHS hospital in London, and both mother and baby are said to be "doing very well".

One particular photograph taken since highlights the PM's joy and pride.

Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds welcomed their baby boy today (file photo) (PA Images Contributor/Press Association Images)

The Tory politician is pictured smiling as he walks up the stairs at Number 10.

His new family intends to live in the residence flat with their dog Dilyn, the Number 10 spokesman confirmed.

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.

Mr Johnson will continue to chair Covid-19 meetings, like this one on Monday (10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty)

Mr Johnson was present throughout. The baby's name is not yet known.

But the birth was announced shortly before 10am on Wednesday by a spokeswoman for the couple.

She said: "The Prime Minister and Ms Symonds are thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy at a London hospital earlier this morning. Both mother and baby are doing very well.

"The PM and Ms Symonds would like to thank the fantastic NHS maternity team."

The news comes just weeks after the PM was discharged from intensive care where he had been battling coronavirus.

The couple started their relationship in 2018, it is thought (Getty Images)

Ms Symonds also suffered symptoms of the disease.

She returned to Downing Street after joining Mr Johnson as he convalesced at his country residence, Chequers, in Buckinghamshire.

The PM's father, Stanley Johnson, said 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.

Labour leader Sir Keir said it was "wonderful news" as he congratulated the couple on Twitter.

Acting Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "Many congratulations to the PM and Carrie Symonds on the birth of their son!"

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said it was "great to hear Downing Street is getting a new resident".