Philippa expressed her desire to get drunk, which caused a scandal among the priest, secretary, and chargé d'affaires. Her remark was unexpected and inappropriate in the context, leading to shock and disapproval from those present.
This incident highlights her boldness and possibly a sense of frustration or rebellion, which contrasted with the formal or conservative expectations of her company. The quote from Dorothy Dunnett's book "Pawn in Frankincense" captures a moment of candidness that disrupts the social decorum around her.