Twice-divorced Boris Johnson gets goose as wedding gift - because it's 'loyal'

Twice-divorced Boris Johnson has been given the "fitting" wedding gift of a young male goose - because it's "loyal".

Animal rights charity PETA have said Barrie - a hybrid of Boris and Carrie - the gander was rescued from slaughter and will now live on a sanctuary in Norwich.

But in a possible dig at the Prime Minister's famously chequered lovelife, PETA praised their feathered friend's commitment and how they are "protective of their offspring".

Mr Johnson, 56, wed the 33-year-old mother of his child at Westminster Cathedral where baby Wilfred was baptised just last year.

Ms Symonds is a long-time animal rights activist with a history of campaigning against issues including plastic pollution and its effect on marine wildlife and trophy hunting.

Boris and Carrie Johnson were married in a secret ceremony on Saturday (REUTERS)

The couple managed to keep the plans for their Bank Holiday weekend nuptials well under wraps - even close aides expressed surprise at the news.

Shortly after 1.30pm, the cathedral was suddenly cleared of visitors, with staff saying it was going into lockdown, The Sun reported.

Half an hour later, a limousine carrying the bride arrived at the piazza outside the main west door of the distinctive striped brick and stone church.

Inside, the ceremony was carried out by Father Daniel Humphreys, who had given the couple pre-marriage instructions and baptised their son.

The couple have a child together (Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds got married on Saturday, with a reception in the Downing Street garden)

PETA hope Barrie will inspire Brits to give up eating foie gras, highlighting some of the cruel practices involved in its production.

To make the delicacy, metal pipes are shoved down geese’s throats and huge amounts fat are pumped into their stomachs several times a day.

PETA director Elisa Allen said: "Geese are loyal birds who are fiercely protective of their partners and offspring.

"So it seems fitting that the prime minister and Ms Symonds’ joyous occasion would coincide with the joy that Barrie the goose is experiencing thanks to his newfound freedom.

"We hope the gift will inspire Britons to spare other geese by refusing to eat their flesh – and by joining the campaign to ban foie gras in the UK.”

A spokesperson for No. 10 said of the ceremony on Sunday: "The Prime Minister and Ms Symonds were married in a small ceremony at Westminster Cathedral.

"The couple will celebrate their wedding with family and friends next summer."