AS well as the nation coming together and the strengthening of the mystical bond between sovereign and subjects, I am hoping the coronation might lead to the rehabilitation of the celebratory cigar. Although I do not drink, I fully support the loyal toast and, therefore, consider that I am only doing my patriotic duty in suggesting a ‘loyal corona’ or two on the day. I imagine there will be a fair amount of Champagne quaffed by His Majesty’s subjects and I like to think of a celebratory cigar in much the way that Lily Bollinger, who clearly found waking up in the morning cause for celebration, viewed the famous sparkling wines of Épernay and Reims. ‘I drink Champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it—unless I’m thirsty.’
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