Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy

Loyal Toast

The Toast to the Sovereign. Traditionally, in the Navy it is given with attendees seated, a custom practised since King William IV, who had served as a naval officer and experienced the discomfort of standing suddenly on board a vessel at sea, authorized all in the navy to toast him while sitting down. This practice is also carried out on board the ships of the Royal Canadian Navy, so long as neither The Queen nor any other member of the Canadian Royal Family is present, in which case the toast is given while sitting only if the royal guest so requests it.

Added: 2014-11-01 Last modified: 2014-11-01