In a few days, many festive bottles of champagne will be opened in celebration of the Jubilee and rightly so. However, as befits the dignity and solemnity of formal toasts to Her Majesty these are traditionally drunk in Port. The armed forces in particular observe this tradition, including the Navy which by the way is the only service to toast the Queen sitting down. This custom said to derive from an occasion aboard a Navy vessel when officers rose enthusiastically to their feet to raise a glass of Port to their sovereign only to strike their heads on the low beams of the wardroom ceiling.
The specially blended Taylor’s Very Very Old Tawny Port, which Adrian Bridge referred to at the beginning of this Tale, is therefore a fitting choice to toast Her Majesty throughout the Jubilee celebrations. Although quantities are very limited, it can be acquired online and through reputable wine merchants.
As well as being the wine in which the Loyal Toast is drunk, Port also has the distinction of being served at state banquets given by the Queen at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle and is often the oldest – and most eminent – wine enjoyed by her guests.
Taylor’s has been honoured to be a regular purveyor of Port to the Royal Household for many years. It is particularly proud to have been granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen as supplier of Port Wine. The grantee of Taylor’s Royal Warrant is Taylor’s Managing Director, Adrian Bridge, appropriately a former officer of 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards and recipient from the Queen of the Sword of Honour while at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
During her reign, the Queen has made two state visits to Portugal. On both occasions, the visits included Oporto in recognition of the affection in which she is held by its citizens and its role in the close relations and enduring friendship between Portugal and the United Kingdom.
Marriage of John I and Philippa of Lancaster
The Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of Windsor, which gave rise to the longest continuing alliance in global history, was cemented by the marriage 635 years ago of King John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster, daughter of John of Gaunt, in the cathedral of Oporto.
The strong link between Britain and the city of Oporto is of course also due in large part to Port Wine and the long-established presence in the city of British merchants, including the successors of the family which founded Taylor’s over three centuries ago. During her first visit to Oporto in 1957, the Queen visited the Factory House, the handsome 18th century building which is home to the association of British Port wine shippers. In the photograph below, Taylor’s chairman Dick Yeatman and his wife Beryl are seen being presented to the Queen during this visit.
Dick Yeatman being presented to the Queen
As summer approaches and travel restrictions are lifted, why not follow in Her Majesty’s footsteps and visit Oporto, one of the most fascinating of historic European cities.
No visit to Oporto would be complete without a tour of Taylor’s Port lodges. If you missed the opportunity to obtain a bottle of the Taylor’s Very Very Old Tawny Port Jubilee Edition, you will be able to taste it by the glass at Taylor’s lodges, along with as a wide range of Taylor’s Ports.
As Adrian Bridge remarked, “We hope that during this Platinum Jubilee year, many people will raise a glass of Port, whether it is the Very Very Old Tawny or simply another bottle of Taylor’s, and wish Her Majesty continued long life and thank her for 70 years of extraordinary service. To Her Majesty!”