It was the end of an era this week for the Blair family. Britain's former prime minister and his clan assembled on the steps of 10 Downing Street for their last appearance as the UK's 'first family'. They were saying goodbye to the home they've shared for the past ten years, and handing over to new head of government, Gordon Brown, and his wife Sarah.
The removal men had already taken the furniture to their new residence in Connaught Square, near Hyde Park. All that was left to do was wave goodbye to the photographers gathered to record the moment.
For Tony Blair's youngest child Leo, seven, Downing Street is the only home he has ever known. The family moved into number 11 - bigger than the official listed residence at number ten - three years before he was born. Sons Euan, 23, and 21-year-old Nicky left home aged 18 to go to university, returning at weekends and during holidays to spend time with their brother and sister Kathryn, 19.
After leaving Downing Street for the last time, Mr Blair, accompanied by his wife Cherie, made the five-minute trip to Buckingham Palace. After a decade of once-a-week meetings, he had a final private face-to-face audience with the Queen as head of government, during which he formally resigned as prime minister.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
