He was educated at Eton College, joined the diplomatic service as an attaché in 1879, and was posted to Rome where he was promoted to third secretary of legation in 1881.

[2] In June 1882 Portal had the good fortune to be temporarily attached to the consulate-general at Cairo, at a critical period in the history of British relations with Egypt.

He was present at the bombardment of Alexandria, and for his services on that occasion received a medal with clasp and the Khedive's Star.

[3] For some weeks in the summers of 1886 and 1887 he took charge of the residency during Lord Cromer's absence, and conducted its affairs with credit.

[1][9] In this case, it is therefore important to note that General Portal never declared Uganda as a British protectorate.

Portal was a sound middle order batsman and a fast left arm bowler who played for I Zingari.