Little duckling and its adult role-models

There are many swans in Windsor. Swan Upping is an annual census of this bird's population of the River Thames. The ceremony takes place during the third week of July every year. The historic ceremony dates back to the 12th C a.d. when the Crown claimed ownership of all the mute swans. Today the Crown retains the right of ownership of all unmarked mute swans on certain stretches of the River Thames and its surrounding tributaries. While rowing by Windsor Castle, it’s tradition for the Uppers to toast to “Her Majesty the Queen, Seigneur of the Swans.” The Queen isn’t usually home to appreciate the gesture—she’s only attended one Swan Upping throughout her entire reign.