Queen Camilla declared that her love of wine is "in my blood" during a heartfelt visit to the spiritual home of the international wine trade on Wednesday. The monarch, attending a reception at the historic Vintners' Hall by the River Thames, shared personal anecdotes about her upbringing and family's deep connections to the industry.
A Royal Return to Vintners' Hall
Camilla, who serves as a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, made her first visit to the Company's headquarters since 2017. The event was hosted by Master Vintner Richard Wilson at one of the oldest livery companies in the City of London, which received its first Royal Charter in 1363.
Wearing a green velvet gown, the Queen was presented with a glass of Vintners' Company Pauillac, 2016—a rich, full-bodied wine—alongside an original 1928 copy of A Book Of Wine written by her grandfather, Philip Morton Shand. Upon receiving these gifts, Camilla delivered an unplanned speech that captivated attendees.
Childhood Memories and Family Legacy
"Probably everybody knows my love of wine, it's in my blood and I was brought up by a father whose passion was wine, without a doubt," Camilla stated. She recalled being raised to appreciate wine from a young age, noting, "We drank wine as children, we grew up like the French."
The Queen fondly remembered early trips to Bordeaux with her father, Major Bruce Shand, a wine merchant. "Learning how to spit properly" during wine-tasting sessions left a lasting impression on her. Viewing signatures from her previous visits in the guest book, she remarked, "It's very nice to be back. It's something I really enjoy," highlighting her late father's professional ties to the trade.
Historical Connections and Traditions
During her visit, Camilla engaged with Swan Uppers—volunteers who conduct the annual swan census along the Thames—in the oldest working room in the City, dating back to 1672. She admired their swan-patterned ties and expressed interest in attending a Swan Upping event in the future, saying she would "definitely" return to see it again.
As she departed, the Queen received five cheers, a Company tradition commemorating a 1363 banquet attended by five kings, including Edward III of England. This gesture underscored the Vintners' Company's rich history as one of the Great Twelve City Livery Companies.
Enduring Legacy of the Vintners' Company
Although the Company no longer holds regulatory powers over wine import and sale, it maintains strong ties to the trade and engages in significant charitable work. Camilla praised this ongoing contribution, stating, "I wanted to say thank you to all of you here for contributing so much to one of the best industries there is."
The visit not only celebrated the Queen's personal affinity for wine but also reinforced the enduring cultural and historical significance of the Vintners' Company as a cornerstone of London's heritage and the global wine community.
