did you know ? King Charles III has some odd possessions across England. He is the official owner of many species of animals such as swans, whales and sturgeons.
Every third week of July, the traditional Swan Festival is held. A unique phenomenon is the swans frolicking in the waters of the River Thames. If they are carefully measured and checked for health, they – except for a few animals, which are shared property between the two companies – belong to the incumbent king. The latter, being called Lord of the Swans, is the owner of any part of the bird, whether dead or alive.
But this royal uniqueness does not stop with the swans. Under his reign, in 1324, King Edward II passed an Act on Whales and Dolphins. He got the status of “King fish”, later joined by sturgeons and porpoises. In sum, the text provides that if the aforementioned animals are removed from their natural habitat, they will automatically return to the seated king or queen. Apart from farmed fish, A special authorization emanating from the emperor must be granted to keep the captured specimen.
“Swan Upping” ceremony, London, July 22, 2021.
Getty Images / © Peter Daisley
It should be noted that in Scotland, Her Majesty has the right to fish salmon in most rivers and all wild crustaceans from its shores … In fact, the exploitation of this right belongs to the “Crown Estate”, the domain of the Crown, now owned by the British Government.
Queen Elizabeth II with swan marker David Barber at the Swan Apping ceremony on July 20, 2009.
Sipa / © SANG TAN/AP
A subtle law
A Welsh fisherman fell victim to the law in 2004 when he caught a rare sturgeon in Swansea Bay. An activist was quickly silenced by the local police. While he faces up to six months in prison and a £5,000 (over €5,600) fine for his possession of the treasure, a fax was hurriedly sent to Buckingham seeking a settlement. Fear rather than harm. The palace quickly responded that the fisherman was free to dispose of his catch ” As he intended ».
Prince Charles fishing, May 12, 1979.
Getty Images / © Tim Graham Photo Library
But an English fisherman should always be on the lookout as the law provides some exceptions. In Scotland a special rule applies eg: whales over 7.6 meters and “ too big to be pulled by a cart drawn by six bullocks” became the property of the king. A law still valid today.
from He ascended the throne last September, and King Charles III is the happy owner of dozens of these animals that roam the country. She takes on a role from her mother, Elizabeth II. If the Queen wants to be with her loyal corgis or her horses, her son, sensitive to the environment and the living, will no doubt honor the new title of King of Animals.
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