Swan Upping, one of the less heralded royal events on the British calendar, will be held next week.
The census of sorts is set to take place on the River Thames from Monday, July 15. Although King Charles is unlikely to appear at the event, it is steeped in tradition.
“Last year saw a considerable downturn in cygnet numbers due to the loss of many of the breeding pairs during the outbreak of avian influenza,” a statement on the Swan Upping website read.
While there have been few bird flu cases this year, the swans have faced widespread flooding that washed away many nests.
“In some cases, the swans may rebuild their nests which could result in a late breeding season this year,” the statement added.
Here is what you need to know about Swan Upping 2024.
What is Swan Upping?
Swans are universally adored in the UK — at least when they are not attacking Dalmatians or wading onto a railway line.
Originally, Swan Upping was a royal tradition to mark ownership of mute swans on the Thames. The earliest formal records date to the 12th century during the reign of King John (1199-1216). The rights and responsibilities associated with Swan Upping were later codified and documented in various historical records, including royal charters and legal documents.
Today, its primary purpose is to conserve and monitor the swan population.
The birds are given an annual checkover in the third week of July annually to assess their numbers, locations, and general health. This can help to identify injured swans and see what issues they face.
Swan Upping is held over five days and several boatloads of Swan Uppers in scarlet rowing shirts scour the area in traditional rowing skiffs. Participants capture, mark, and release mute swans to monitor their health and numbers.
The King’s Swan Marker David Barber leads the Swan Upping ceremony with representatives from various institutions including the Crown, the Dyers' and Vintners' Companies, and the Environment Agency.
The event has been cancelled only once — in 2020 — due to the pandemic.
Today, many schools join in with the initiative.
What is the royal connection to Swan Upping?
Under one of Britain’s many old laws still in practice, the monarch has ownership of all unmarked swans in open water.
Helen Ledbury, who has organised the event, told the BBC: “Historically, the monarch owns all of the unmarked swans on the Thames and could give them to whoever they wanted.
"In the past swans were seen as a delicacy. The royal family would fatten them up and eat them at banquets and feasts.
"Now it's more about conservation and the ceremony is much smaller.
“There were six wooden rowing boats with three or four swan uppers in each one. They [are] very traditionally decked out in white trousers and flame red coats.”
She added: "It's a bit like a blast from the past.
"It's one of those fantastic English traditions that we all love."
Despite all this, no monarch had participated until Queen Elizabeth II visited in 2009 and was seen getting into a boat.
What is the Swan Upping 2024 schedule?
If you want to watch the Swan Upping 2024, here is when and where according to the official website.
Monday, July 15
Sunbury 9am - Departure point
Shepperton Lock 10.15am
Penton Hook Lock 12.30pm
Romney Lock 5.30pm
Tuesday, July 16
Eton Bridge 8.30am - Departure point
Boveney Lock 9.15am
Boulters Lock 12.30pm
Cookham Bridge 1.30pm
Marlow Lock 5.30pm
Wednesday, July 17
Marlow Bridge 9am - Departure point
Hurley Lock 10.30am
Hambleden Lock 12pm
Henley Town 1.15pm
Marsh Lock 3.30pm
Shiplake Lock 5pm
Sonning Bridge 6pm
Thursday, July 18
Sonning-on-Thames - 9am - Departure point
Caversham Lock 10.15am
Mapledurham Lock 12.30pm
Goring Lock 5pm
Moulsford 6pm
Friday, July 19
Moulsford 9am - Departure point
Benson Lock 10am
Clifton Hampden Bridge 1pm
Culham Lock 4.15pm
Abingdon Bridge 5pm
Are you allowed to eat swans in the UK?
Eating swans in the UK, particularly mute ones (Cygnus olor), is illegal. Here’s why:
Royal prerogative: Mute swans on certain waterways in the UK, including the Thames, are considered royal birds and have historically been associated with the monarchy. This gives them special protection under the Crown.
Historical status: Mute swans were historically considered royal birds and protected for the pleasure and status of royalty. Eating swans was strictly prohibited, and laws protecting them date back several centuries.
Wildlife protection: Over time, legal protections for swans expanded beyond their historical significance. Today, they are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to kill, injure, take, or possess a mute swan, or damage or destroy its nest.
Conservation concerns: Mute swans face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and other human activities. Strict protection measures help conserve their populations and ensure their survival.
Cultural and symbolic significance: Beyond legal protections, mute swans are culturally and symbolically significant in British society. They are often associated with tranquility, beauty, and the natural environment.
Legend says that fellows at St John’s College, the University of Cambridge, can eat swans. However, this is not something the university advertises and details are sketchy.
