Queen Elizabeth II will have to reduce her drinking during her working years, her office announced Wednesday, as a new technique helps the British monarch cut down on the amount of alcohol she choses to consume.
The queen made headlines in 2013 when one of her security guards tipped off the tabloids that he had told his boss to cut down on the amount of alcohol she’s drinking.
The revelations began with allegations that the wife of a royal protection officer had given the monarch wine with her evening meals.
“She can have gin martinis – and whatever she wants,” the then-husband of the officer allegedly said. “But they’re nice for lunchtime.”
In response, it was reportedly put to royal officials that if the queen wanted to imbibe, she should be treated as an ordinary citizen.
“We have a sensible drinking policy in this country and we have a responsible and transparent policy which allows Buckingham Palace to do what it does,” a senior aide told Britain’s Sun tabloid at the time.
“You can’t continue to read the like of the Sun whether you like it or not.”
It’s one of the reasons why her Royal Household office, Clarence House, is going to start offering details of official events, so that the public can get a more realistic idea of what might be in store. Officials will be providing information about what bottle of wine will accompany each of the queen’s regular sips of champagne or gin and tonic.
Clarence House’s managing director, David Roth, said, “For centuries the Queen has attended official functions with only a glass of champagne, whilst occasionally choosing wine. I wanted to redress the balance with some more specific information.
“We hope that by making this information available, people can make more informed choices to help avoid any damage to Her Majesty’s health or party plans.”
The protocol for royal parties is pretty strict: If you’re invited to attend a reception where the Queen is present, you’re advised to prepare only tea with milk and sugar.
Following the guidelines, you’re supposed to drink only water and porter. You’re also permitted to use tap water for all emergencies. A recent report suggested that the Queen has been drinking three cups of coffee a day.
Published in Playboy, the official royal Christmas card was shot with a special printer. Philip Scobie, the prince’s former private secretary, gave it to him during a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
“I was the first person that I met when I came back from Australia in 1982,” Scobie told Playboy, referring to the event that ultimately led to his boss becoming queen. “I’d sent the Queen a traditional Christmas card we had made for her, using graphics and photographs.”
The royals’ most popular Christmas card is a traditional shot, capturing a royal sitting on a rocking chair on Christmas Day, with the queen looking out at a gazebo in the royal garden.
At one point, she said, “Christmas is very important to me, and all my family.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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