Queen Elizabeth’s Introduction to a Vodka Ice Luge at Prince William’s 21st Birthday Party

When it comes to throwing a party fit for royalty, no one does it better than the Queen of England. However, even she can be caught off guard by the occasional surprise. In 2003, Queen Elizabeth found herself face to face with a vodka ice luge at her grandson Prince William’s 21st birthday celebration.

Johnny Roxburgh, the party planner in charge of the extravagant event, recounts the amusing encounter on Channel 5’s “The Royal Borough: Kensington and Chelsea.” The Daily Mail reported on this enchanting tale, which sheds light on the Queen’s reaction to some unfamiliar decor.

The birthday bash, held at Windsor Castle, boasted an “Out of Africa” theme, paying homage to William’s time spent in the continent during his gap year. Music from Botswana filled the air, guests donned lavish costumes, and the atmosphere was electrifying with celebrity presence.

Amidst the grandeur, the highlight of the evening was an enormous vodka ice luge sculpted into the shape of an elephant’s head. Little did the Queen know that this icy creation held a delectable surprise. As the party was about to commence, Queen Elizabeth caught a glimpse of someone pouring vodka down the luge.

Confused, the Queen turned to Roxburgh and asked, “What is that?” Roxburgh, undeterred by the Royal’s lack of knowledge about vodka ice luges, replied, “Ma’am, it’s a vodka luge.” Unfortunately, his explanation did little to clarify matters for her.

In good humor, Roxburgh later reflected on the incident, jesting that he could have claimed it was a tin of Brasso and the Queen’s confusion would have remained the same. It is evident that her familiarity with such modern party fixtures was limited.

While this encounter marked Queen Elizabeth’s first introduction to an ice luge, it is no secret that she is not a stranger to alcohol. As reported by Insider previously, she often enjoyed a gin and Dubonnet during lunch and a martini in the evenings. The ice luge may have caught her eye, but it was just one element of the incredibly extravagant decorations at the event.

Roxburgh revealed that the party featured other jaw-dropping decor, including full-size elephants made from palm husks and table centers that could rival a Lion King headdress. He expressed his admiration for Prince William, stating that the future king proved himself to be an incredibly cool young man through his choice of celebration themes and decor.

Overall, this enchanting story highlights the human side of royalty, showcasing Queen Elizabeth’s genuine confusion and eventual amusement at the vodka ice luge. It serves as a reminder that, even in the most grandiose settings, unexpected moments can create laughter and delightful memories.

Sources:

– Insider: https://www.insider.com/queen-mistook-vodka-luge-for-elephant-prince-williams-21st-2021-7

– Daily Mail: [Link to the original article on Insider]