In England, all unmarked mute swans belong to the Queen. This tradition dates back to the 12th century when swans were highly prized for their meat and feathers. Today, the Queen's ownership of swans is largely ceremonial and serves as a symbol of her authority over the country's waterways. According to ancient laws, only the Queen and a few specific individuals are allowed to own and mark swans on the River Thames and its tributaries. This practice is known as swan upping, where swans are caught, marked with a unique identification, and released back into the wild. This tradition is still carried out annually on the River Thames to monitor the swan population and ensure their well-being. While the Queen technically owns all unmarked mute swans in England, she does not exercise this right for commercial purposes. Swans are now protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, which prohibits the killing, injuring, or taking of swans without permission. This legislation aims to conserve and protect swan populations in the wild. If you are interested in learning more about swan ownership in England, you can visit the official website of the British Monarchy (www.royal.uk) for more information on the Queen's ownership of swans. You can also explore the Royal Swan Upping website (www.royalswanupping.com) to discover the history and significance of swan upping in England. In conclusion, the Queen owns all unmarked mute swans in England as a symbolic tradition that dates back centuries. While this ownership is largely ceremonial, swans are still protected under wildlife laws to ensure their conservation and well-being. Swan upping continues to be a yearly event on the River Thames, highlighting the importance of these majestic birds in English culture and history.

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