Well, it was a St George's Day Dinner - yes, a day early and there was all the usual paraphernalia that goes with it. Shakespere was declaimed, Land of Hope and Glory sung, the beef was knighted, the loyal toast given and the National Anthem sung! Jingoism was not entertained for it was all done in such great humour.
George became the Patron Saint of England on the back of the Crusades; he was imported by the solidiers who fought in the Holy Land and learned of George's exploits and thought him a worthy patron for their country.
Saint George (c. 275/281 – 23 April 303) was, according to tradition, a Roman soldier from Syria Palaestina and a soldier in the Guard of Diocletian, who is venerated as a Christian martyr. In hagiography Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic (Western and Eastern Rites), Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and the Oriental Orthodox churches. He is immortalized in the tale of Saint George and the Dragon and is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. His memorial is celebrated on 23 April, and he is regarded as one of the most prominent military saints.