This is a weekend, starting July 17th, is the start of the five-day Royal and annual Swan Upping ceremony in the English rivers around the Thames...
The ceremony, led by The Queen's Swan Marker is responsible for an annual count and health evaluation of the Queen's swans....
The historic ceremony dates back to the 12th Century, when the Crown claimed ownership of all mute swans.
In the Swan Upping ceremony, the Swan Markers identify, weigh, and health check cygnets or baby swans before releasing them. The Swan Upper advises organisations throughout the UK on swan welfare, and works with fishing and boating organisations, helping them work with existing wildlife and maintaining the swans' natural habitat.
Children from local schools are invited every year to watch the ceremony so they too can learn how to protect the local swan population. We were in the area one year during the Swan-upping on one of our annual UK visits, and quite a few folks were present to see it. These photos are from the UK Press Assoc. For more info, click on the links below:
English traditions are always wonderful, and so interesting, don't you think?
And adding that July 17th is the 70th birthday of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, wife of Prince Charles.
This birthday portrait was just released by Clarence House, and was done by the favorite Royal family photographer, Mario Testino.
Lovely!
And adding that July 17th is the 70th birthday of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, wife of Prince Charles.
This birthday portrait was just released by Clarence House, and was done by the favorite Royal family photographer, Mario Testino.
Lovely!
1 comment:
Very fun!
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