King Charles is dedicated to continuing a special age-old tradition within the royal family, particularly after his ascension.
In addition to being the British monarch, Charles holds the title of ‘Seigneur of the Swans,’ making him the owner of every wild, unmarked swan in England that roams the country’s rivers. On Friday, the King participated in the 800-year-old tradition known as Swan Upping, which involves tallying the number of swans on the River Thames.
This tradition, dating back to the 12th century, sees the Royal Swan Marker, currently David Barber, and his team count the swans along the river's extensive 130-km reach. The royal family shared glimpses of the event, showcasing the team rowing in boats called “skiffs” to record the swans. These boats also displayed red flags branded with Charles’ royal emblem.
Historically, British monarchs would consume the swans as delicacies at lavish banquets. Today, however, the annual census has evolved from a ceremonial event to a vital part of wildlife conservation, according to the royal family’s official website.
