27th June 2007
Doctors warn monarchs of alcohol abuse risks
Alexander the Great, giving it some whilst on the Spesh |
Whereas previous campaigns have focused on alcohol related deaths in lower-class D and E social classes, new evidence shows that AAA+ males and females are at the highest risk.
The Great
"Alexander the Great famously died after a night out on the lash, but he was not the last world leader to succumb fatally after a few bevvies," warned Dr Felicity Bouger, head researcher for drink-charity Alcohol Concern.
From Vlad Inecatul, Prince of Wallachia, who got "well pissed" in 1532 and rode his horse into the waters of the River Dambovita, in what is now southern Romania, to Adolf Frederick, king of Sweden in 1771 who died after quaffing champagne, the list of monarchs who died whilst tired and emotional "is endless".
Furthermore, it is not just a problem amongst European rulers, Alcohol Concern added. In AD 453, Attila the Hun was "well out of it" at his wedding feast and did not notice a nosebleed, leading to his death.
The Terrible
"The simple message is, if you are a sovereign, slow down at feasts, banquets and victory celebrations and drink responsibly," emphasised Dr Bouger.
However, not everyone agreed with this message. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that "Her Majesty the Queen can handle her drink".
In addition, and "unlike other her majesties he could think of", Elizabeth II has never broken down in the corner crying to her ladies-in-waiting after one too many rum and cokes at state dinners, issuing drunken proclamations to former betrothed princes.
And the Repulsive
"She also has the genes from her mam," the spokesman added, referring to the late Queen Mother's legendary gin consumption.
Despite this, Dr Bouger said it was up to reigning monarchs to ensure that they knew their limits and drank responsibly so that "they can continue to reign over us, happy and glorious". They should also ensure that if they are going to drink, then a golden state coach should be booked beforehand.
The Great
"Alexander the Great famously died after a night out on the lash, but he was not the last world leader to succumb fatally after a few bevvies," warned Dr Felicity Bouger, head researcher for drink-charity Alcohol Concern.
From Vlad Inecatul, Prince of Wallachia, who got "well pissed" in 1532 and rode his horse into the waters of the River Dambovita, in what is now southern Romania, to Adolf Frederick, king of Sweden in 1771 who died after quaffing champagne, the list of monarchs who died whilst tired and emotional "is endless".
Furthermore, it is not just a problem amongst European rulers, Alcohol Concern added. In AD 453, Attila the Hun was "well out of it" at his wedding feast and did not notice a nosebleed, leading to his death.
The Terrible
"The simple message is, if you are a sovereign, slow down at feasts, banquets and victory celebrations and drink responsibly," emphasised Dr Bouger.
However, not everyone agreed with this message. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that "Her Majesty the Queen can handle her drink".
In addition, and "unlike other her majesties he could think of", Elizabeth II has never broken down in the corner crying to her ladies-in-waiting after one too many rum and cokes at state dinners, issuing drunken proclamations to former betrothed princes.
And the Repulsive
"She also has the genes from her mam," the spokesman added, referring to the late Queen Mother's legendary gin consumption.
Despite this, Dr Bouger said it was up to reigning monarchs to ensure that they knew their limits and drank responsibly so that "they can continue to reign over us, happy and glorious". They should also ensure that if they are going to drink, then a golden state coach should be booked beforehand.
