And It Keeps Your Head Dry

One of the most quintessentially English things a gentleman owns is a properly made umbrella. This is not open to debate - it is natural law and the best maker of these items are Brigg, which still create elegantly perfect brollys in England and sell for eye-watering prices in their Swaine shops on New Bond Street and in the Burlington Arcade (their website is proof-positive). They are the equal of all the farthings they charge, I promise you. I have one, a bespoke gift of long ago bestowed under circumstances which we don’t have time to go into just now. My name’s engraved on the brass collar next to the Royal warrant from then-Prince Charles. It is that very personage, the current Monarch, whom I wish to discuss on a matter of no small delicacy. I have immense regard for HM, but what follows must be said.