Marker of the Swans

Marker of the Swans, or Swan Marker, is an office in the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom.

The Queen's Swan Marker being rowed in a skiff at the start of Swan Upping

History

The role dates back to the twelfth century and through the years its title has changed from Master, Keeper, and in 1993, to Swan Marker. The new post of Swan Warden was also created at this time.[1]

Role of The Queen's Swan Marker

The Queen's Swan Marker still organises the annual event of Swan Upping on the River Thames.

Apart from Swan Upping, The Queen's Swan Marker has other duties. He advises organisations throughout the country about swan welfare and incidents involving swans, he monitors the health of the local swan population and advises fishing and boating organisations how to work with wildlife. The Queen's Swan Marker works closely with swan rescue organisations and supervises the rescue of sick and injured swans. He also co-ordinates the removal of swans from stretches of the River Thames used for summer rowing regattas.

Holders

The current office-holder is David Barber, MVO, appointed in 1993.[2] Barber is a boat engine merchant by occupation.[3]

References
  1. "Here are 5 Surprising Jobs You Can Get With the U.K. Royal Family". TIME.com. 1 June 2015. Archived from the original on 1 June 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2019.CS1 maint: unfit url (link)
  2. Royal patrol counts the Queen's swans, CNN (July 27, 2016).
  3. William Booth, Britain's queen is counting her swans in a ritual with much poop and circumstance, Washington Post (July 20, 2018).


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