Sultan and roller land in the drink

ALLEGATIoNS that Jean-Claude Juncker, the EU Commission president, likes a tipple, took me back. The claim that when he calls for a glass of water it is, in fact, gin reminded me of events that took place when I was an assistant purser on the S.S. Uganda in the early Sixties. We carried the last Sultan of Zanzibar and his entourage on his final visit to England before his overthrow in 1964. It really was like something out of an Arabian Nights tale. of course, he and the Sultana occupied the best suite on board, outside which, day and night for the three-week voyage from Mombasa to London, were stationed two of his personal bodyguards — burly Zanzibaris in traditional turban, short jacket and baggy pantaloons — though without the usual scimitars. Before they boarded, we were told that, though he was a devout Muslim, the Sultan didn’t adhere to the Koran’s ban on the consumption of alcohol and, indeed, was more than a little fond of a drop of whisky or brandy — much to the disapproval of his wife! However, for appearance’s sake, it was always brought to him in a bone china teacup on a saucer. But what made that trip even more memorable was the fact that, just before we sailed, two large armchairs had been placed on the foredeck so the royal couple could watch the preparations for our departure in comfort. However, this did not turn out to be the happy event it should have been. The last item to be loaded was the Sultan’s red rollsroyce — which plummeted on to the dockside as the sling in which it was being hoisted aboard gave way right before their eyes!