The Seattle Times · Jul 27, 2015
Counting swans a royal affair on River Thames
Queen’s Swan Upper holds a swan during the annual count of the Queen’s swans on the river Thames on July 20. (Frank Augstein/The Associated Press)The annual swan census, or the “royal swan upping,” along a picturesque stretch of the Thames outside London is surely one of the oddest and oldest traditions in England.
HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England — The unsuspecting family was enjoying a peaceful outing on the river when the rowers set upon them.
“All up!” one of the men cried, prompting some furious oaring by his fellows to maneuver their boats into position. Implacably, they closed in around the bewildered family until there was no chance of escape.