Few figures in British politics have attracted as much fascination and controversy as Boris Johnson. From his time as Mayor of London to his tumultuous tenure as Prime Minister, Johnson has remained one of the UK’s most recognisable political personalities. Yet, behind the bluster and headlines lies a complex family story — one that continues to intrigue the British public.
In 2025, renewed attention has turned towards Boris Johnson’s children, following fresh interviews and public appearances by his wife, Carrie Johnson, as well as Johnson’s own comments about fatherhood and family life. But who are his children, and how have they shaped — or been shaped by — the political whirlwind surrounding their father?
A Look at Boris Johnson’s Growing Family
Boris Johnson is the father of eight children, though for much of his political career, he kept his family life away from the cameras. Over the years, however, the number — and identities — of his children have become a topic of intense public curiosity.
From his first marriage to Allegra Mostyn-Owen, there were no children. It was his second marriage to Marina Wheeler, a barrister and writer, that brought four of his older children into the public eye — Lara Lettice, Milo Arthur, Cassia Peaches, and Theodore Apollo Johnson.
His younger children, however, were born from his relationship and later marriage to Carrie Symonds (now Carrie Johnson). The couple share three children: Wilfred, Romy, and Frank Alfred Odysseus, born in 2020, 2021, and 2023 respectively.
In 2025, the former Prime Minister and his wife have often spoken about the joys — and chaos — of parenting young children, particularly after moving to their countryside home following his exit from Downing Street.
The Older Johnson Children: Growing Up in the Spotlight
While Boris Johnson’s younger children are still toddlers, his older four — from his marriage to Marina Wheeler — have now grown into adulthood. Each has forged a distinct path, often away from the political glare.
Lara Lettice Johnson-Wheeler, the eldest, born in 1993, attended Bedales School and later studied at the University of St Andrews. She has worked as a writer and editor, contributing to several lifestyle and fashion publications.
Milo Arthur, born in 1995, is known for his athletic background and work in media. Having graduated from the University of London, he briefly worked in Dubai before returning to the UK.
Cassia Peaches and Theodore Apollo — born in 1997 and 1999 respectively — have largely remained out of public view. Cassia studied at Highgate School and is believed to have pursued creative writing, while Theodore attended Cambridge University.
Despite the family’s preference for privacy, growing up as Boris Johnson’s children has inevitably drawn media curiosity. Yet, compared to the often headline-grabbing life of their father, the older Johnson children have largely avoided controversy.
Carrie Johnson and the New Chapter of Family Life
Carrie Johnson, formerly a communications director for the Conservative Party, became one of the most prominent public figures alongside her husband. The couple married in a private ceremony at Westminster Cathedral in May 2021 — a rare occurrence for a sitting British Prime Minister.
Since then, Carrie has taken an active role in environmental advocacy and charity work, while also offering rare glimpses into their family life on social media. Her posts featuring Wilfred, Romy, and Frank have occasionally made headlines, particularly for their candid portrayal of domestic life beyond politics.
In a recent interview, Carrie Johnson spoke about the challenges of raising three young children while supporting a husband whose public life often attracts scrutiny. “We’re just trying to give them a normal childhood,” she said, reflecting on how the family balances private life with public attention.
This new chapter for the Johnsons — from the political corridors of Westminster to the rural quiet of Oxfordshire — has redefined how many Britons view Boris Johnson not just as a politician, but as a father.
Media Fascination and the Privacy Debate
The media’s interest in Boris Johnson’s family has long been a contentious subject. While some argue that a public figure’s family life is part of the broader political narrative, others insist on protecting the privacy of children who did not choose the spotlight.
In 2025, renewed coverage of Johnson’s family has raised fresh questions about the balance between public curiosity and personal boundaries. The issue mirrors past debates surrounding the families of other British politicians — from Matt Hancock’s affair scandal (read more here) to the media frenzy around Donald Trump’s mugshot (see coverage).
While Johnson’s children have mostly stayed away from the limelight, occasional media coverage — particularly on social media — often reignites the discussion on how much of a politician’s private life should be fair game for public consumption.
Parenting After Politics: Johnson’s Reflections
Since stepping down as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has devoted more time to writing and public speaking. In several appearances, he has expressed how much he enjoys being more present in his children’s lives.
During a 2025 lecture in London, he jokingly admitted that parenting three toddlers is “far tougher than facing a session in the House of Commons.” It’s a rare glimpse into a softer, more personal side of the former PM — a contrast to the combative leader many remember.
According to people close to him, Johnson’s relationship with his children has deepened in recent years, especially after his political exit. Friends describe him as a “devoted father” who enjoys reading bedtime stories, going on family walks, and cooking Sunday roasts at their Oxfordshire home.
Family, Faith, and Future
Interestingly, Boris Johnson’s family life has also rekindled discussions about faith and tradition. His marriage to Carrie Johnson, held at Westminster Cathedral, surprised many because Johnson had previously been divorced twice.
The Catholic Church’s decision to allow the ceremony — based on the annulment of his earlier marriages — sparked public debate about religious rules and modern family structures.
This episode underscored the evolving nature of family life in contemporary Britain, where blended families and late fatherhood have become increasingly common. Johnson himself, now in his early sixties, often jokes about the “delights and demands” of being an older dad.
The Johnson Household: Between Chaos and Charm
Anyone familiar with Boris Johnson’s public persona can imagine that his household is lively, to say the least. Friends and colleagues have described the Johnson home as “joyfully chaotic,” filled with toys, dogs, and endless energy.
Carrie Johnson’s Instagram occasionally offers light-hearted glimpses of this chaos — muddy garden adventures, kitchen mishaps, and candid family moments. It’s a side of the Johnsons that many Britons find surprisingly relatable, offering a counterbalance to the high-stakes world of politics.
At the same time, critics suggest that these curated glimpses serve as an image rehabilitation strategy for Johnson, who continues to divide public opinion. Still, for many, it humanises him — a reminder that even former prime ministers juggle nappies and night feeds.
What Lies Ahead for the Johnson Family?
As of 2025, Boris Johnson continues to write columns, deliver speeches, and occasionally weigh in on political matters. However, he has repeatedly said he is focused on family life and personal projects rather than a political comeback.
Rumours about a possible return to frontline politics surface every few months, but Johnson has dismissed them, saying his “hands are full enough” with family duties.
Carrie Johnson remains active in environmental causes and children’s welfare initiatives, often collaborating with UK-based charities. The family has reportedly found peace in their countryside home, far from the constant flash of cameras in Westminster.
Public Perception: From Prime Minister to Family Man
Public perception of Boris Johnson has shifted noticeably since his time in office. Once seen primarily as a political firebrand, many now view him through the lens of family life.
Recent opinion polls suggest that while Johnson remains a polarising figure politically, a growing portion of Britons express curiosity — even sympathy — about his post-political life.
His transformation from world leader to full-time father mirrors a broader cultural trend in Britain: a renewed focus on family, work-life balance, and personal wellbeing after the turbulence of recent years.
Related Topics and Broader Context
The Johnson family story ties into larger conversations about privacy, celebrity, and media ethics in Britain today. It sits alongside other high-profile cases where personal and public lives have collided — such as the scrutiny of public figures featured in The Met Office reports, or international figures like Nikolas Cruz and Joseph Muscat, whose stories have raised global questions about accountability and fame.
These connections underline how the British public remains deeply fascinated not just by politics, but by the people behind it — their families, relationships, and human sides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many children does Boris Johnson have?
Boris Johnson has eight children. Four with his second wife, Marina Wheeler, and three with his current wife, Carrie Johnson. One child from a previous relationship was confirmed in court but remains private.
2. Who is Boris Johnson’s wife now?
He is married to Carrie Johnson (née Symonds), a former political adviser and communications specialist. They married in 2021 at Westminster Cathedral.
3. Are Boris Johnson’s children involved in politics?
None of his children have entered politics. Most prefer to keep a low profile, focusing on studies or private careers.
4. Where does Boris Johnson live now?
After leaving Downing Street, Johnson and his family moved to a countryside home in Oxfordshire, where they live with their three young children.
5. Is Boris Johnson planning a political comeback?
As of 2025, there is no official indication of a political return. Johnson has focused on writing, public speaking, and family life.
Final Thoughts
The story of Boris Johnson’s children offers more than a glimpse into the private world of a public man. It highlights the intersection between politics, family, and media in modern Britain — a country still grappling with how much of its leaders’ personal lives should belong to the public.
Whether admired or criticised, Johnson’s role as a father continues to fascinate the nation. In many ways, his family represents both the pressures and privileges of life in the public eye — a portrait of British modernity, chaos, and resilience in equal measure.
