The Loyal Toast

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The Loyal Toast is the first toast to be given at a formal gathering by the presiding person. The words used in the toast differ between countries and specific types of gatherings.

The Loyal Toast, simply the words "The Queen", is used within the United Kingdom, and by expatriates, as the first toast after a formal meal - sometimes followed by the singing of God Save the Queen, the British National Anthem. Lancastrians often say "The Queen, The Duke of Lancaster". Residents of the Channel Islands say, La Reine, notre Duc ("The Queen, our Duke"). It is customary not to smoke until the sovereign has been toasted.

Many British institutions and military regiments have their own variations. For example, the lawyers of Lincoln's Inn traditionally take the toast sitting down. This commemorates an occasion when Charles II dined at the Inn, and the entire company was too drunk to stand up. The Royal Navy also deliver the toast seated, due to the inadvisibility of standing up suddenly below decks; this custom dates from King William IV, who, having served as a naval officer, had experienced the discomfort of standing up below decks, and authorized the Royal Navy to toast him sitting down. The Black Watch of Canada takes a different approach, reciting the toast standing on their chairs with one leg on the table.

U.S. usage of a Loyal Toast (not usually called such by Americans) is governed by similar protocol. Typically, particularly at military functions, it is simply, "The President of the United States".

[edit] External links

• For U.S. Protocol: Toastmaster Protocol