Steyn!
I can understand, up to a point, a publicist not knowing what “loyal toast” meant (If it just said toast she probably would have not questioned it). I will add that she should have asked the people hosting the event what they meant and what was customary, not MS. After all, he pays her to do the work for him lol. However, a State Dept. or protocol person should absolutely know the format and timing of a toast at an event presided over by the Queen of England.
I have noticed over the years, that many people who are ignorant of certain facts, do not even know who to ask to get the answer. They have no earthly idea how to apply the tiniest bit of common sense or logic to figure out who might have the answer.