Queen Camilla delivered a spontaneous address at Vintners' Hall on Wednesday, sharing intimate details about her lifelong passion for wine during a reception hosted by Master Vintner Richard Wilson.
The monarch, dressed in a green velvet gown, told assembled members of the Worshipful Company of Vintners that her appreciation for wine runs deep in her family heritage.
"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," she said. "We drank wine as children, we grew up like the French."
The Queen thanked those present for "contributing so much to one of the best industries there is."
Queen Camilla admits she 'drank wine as a child' in candid confession
|GETTY
Upon arrival, Camilla was presented with a glass of Vintners' Company Pauillac 2016, a rich and full-bodied red befitting her known preference.
She also received a treasured gift: an original 1928 first edition of A Book Of Wine, penned by her paternal grandfather Philip Morton Shand.
"Oh, is it? How fascinating," the Queen responded upon learning the book's provenance.
She revealed she once owned a copy herself, but it had since disappeared from her possession. Her son, Tom Parker Bowles, whom she described as "the expert" on wine matters, had "snuffled it away," she explained with evident amusement.
Camilla was presented with a glass of Vintners' Company Pauillac 2016
|GETTY
Her late father, Major Bruce Shand, worked as a wine merchant, a connection the Queen fondly recalled while browsing signatures from her earlier visits in the hall's guest book.
"It's very nice to be back. It's something I really enjoy," she remarked.
Camilla shared memories of accompanying her father on trips to the Bordeaux region during her youth, where she received an education in wine appreciation.
"I remember the early days of going to Bordeaux with my father and wine-tasting, which was very interesting, learning how to spit properly," she said.
Camilla was shown an original 1928 first edition of A Book Of Wine, penned by her paternal grandfather Philip Morton Shand
|GETTY
The Queen first joined the Company as a liveryman in 2017, when she held the title Duchess of Cornwall.
During her visit, the Queen encountered a group of Swan Uppers, the individuals responsible for conducting the annual swan census along the Thames, and complimented their distinctive swan-patterned neckwear.
The meeting took place in what is believed to be the City's oldest working room, with origins dating to 1672.
As she departed, the Queen received five cheers, a tradition commemorating a 1363 banquet attended by five monarchs, including Edward III
|GETTY
When offered an invitation to observe the Swan Upping ceremony, Camilla confirmed she would "definitely" attend, expressing her desire to witness the event once more.
As she departed, the Queen received five cheers, a tradition commemorating a 1363 banquet attended by five monarchs, including Edward III.
The Vintners' Company, which received its first Royal Charter that same year, ranks among the Great Twelve City Livery Companies.