THE Queen has stopped having her daily dry martini, it has been reported.
Last month, it was said Her Majesty, 95, was cutting down on her alcohol, and now royal sommelier Demetri Walters has revealed the reason.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the wine professional said: “It’s bad for her joints, and she can’t drink too much when she’s doing all these royal engagements — it’s not a job you can drink in.”
However, the monarch hasn’t given up booze entirely, and still enjoys a glass of wine with her meal.
Demetri added that he has a tough job, as the Queen is very selective about the vintage of the bottle.
The sommelier continued: “I choose for the Queen, but she’s quite exacting, as she doesn’t drink much wine at the moment.”
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The Queen has been known to enjoy a few tipples during the day, including a gin and Dubonnet (one part gin to two parts Dubonnet) before lunch and a glass of sweet German wine with dinner.
Her late cousin Margaret Rhodes also claimed the Queen would enjoy a glass of champagne before bed.
And she was also known to enjoy her dry martini – although a pal told Vanity Fair this is no longer one of her habits.
Demetri used to work for royal wine supplier Berry Bros, and is now an independent adviser for the royal family and other high profile clients.
He also works with Michelin-starred chefs, such as Michel Roux Jr, on their menus.
Before Prince Philip’s death earlier this year, he also became the royal’s “beer sommelier”.
He added: “He had this idea he couldn’t drink wine because it would make him too unwell in his old age, so, very unusually, I had to act as a beer sommelier for him. I didn’t dare tell him beer is even worse for you.”
We shared how the Queen has banned the royal family from playing Monopoly as it ‘gets too vicious’.
In other royal news, the Queen has told the Royal Family she is ‘far better’ and will host traditional Christmas at Sandringham after health scares.
And we shared inside the royal homes at Christmas, including Kate and William’s 30ft tree and the Queen’s 620 presents.
