The annual Swan Upping census began Monday, July 13, 2025, as teams rowed along the River Thames to monitor royal swans [4].
This centuries-old practice allows the Crown to track the health of the swan population and assess environmental threats. The census serves as a critical tool for identifying the impact of avian flu and the prevalence of river litter on the birds.
Swan Uppers row a total of 79 miles [2] during the process. The teams are responsible for counting, weighing, and tagging the birds to maintain a detailed record of the monarch's property. This ensures the royal swans are healthy and helps officials monitor the growth of cygnets.
The tradition is approximately 800 years old [1]. Historical records indicate the practice dates back to the 12th century [3] — a period when the Crown established its historic ownership of the mute swans on the Thames.
Beyond the ceremonial aspects, the event provides data on the ecosystem of the river. By physically handling the birds, the Swan Uppers can detect signs of illness or injury that would be invisible from the shore. This data is used to manage the population and mitigate risks posed by urban pollution.
The census remains a symbol of the Crown's enduring connection to the English landscape. While the methods of recording have modernized, the physical act of rowing the river continues to mirror the original 12th-century mandates [3].
“The tradition is approximately 800 years old.”
The Swan Upping ceremony functions as both a cultural performance of royal prerogative and a practical biological survey. By combining historic ownership claims with modern veterinary checks, the British monarchy maintains a visible link to its medieval past while gathering essential data on the health of the River Thames ecosystem.
