In pictures: Annual Swan Upping returns on the River Thames

The annual Swan Upping returned this week and school pupils from across the area got the chance to learn more about the mute swan population on the River Thames.

Each year, Sovereign Swan Marker David Barber and the swan uppers from Vintners’ and Dyers’ Livery Companies embark on an annual census of the mute swan population.

It has always been the Sovereign Swan Marker’s duty to count the number of young cygnets each year and make sure the swan population is maintained.

Mr Barber and the swan uppers traditionally wear scarlet uniforms and use traditional rowing skiffs on their five-day journey.

The boats fly the appropriate pennant and flag.

The team started their journey on Monday morning from Sunbury lock cut in Middlesex and ended the day at Romney Lock near Windsor and Eton.

On Tuesday, Mr Barber and the swan uppers set off from Eton Bridge and stopped off at several locks, including Boveney Lock in Windsor, Boulters Lock in Maidenhead, and Cookham Bridge before moving onto Marlow Lock. 

Pupils from Eton Wick First School, Holy Trinity Primary School and Cookham Rise Primary School enjoyed a talk on Swan Upping and got a chance to see the cygnets during the event. 

Royal Borough mayor Cllr Mandy Brar was also in attendance to the event. 

As part of the census, the cygnets are measured and weighed to estimate their growth rate and are examined for signs of injury or disease.

With the help of The King’s Swan Warden, whose role is non-ceremonial and scientific, the cygnets are ringed with individual identification numbers.

The historic event has taken place each year on the third week of July and dates back to the 12th century when the Crown claimed ownership of the entire mute swan population, which were considered important for feasts and banquets.

Today, swans are no longer eaten and are protected, but the Crown retains the right of ownership over all unmarked mute swans in open water.

The ownership of the swan population is shared with the Vintners’ and Dyers’ Livery Companies, who were granted rights by the Crown in the fifteenth century.

The swan uppers will continue upstream and will finish their journey at Abingdon Bridge in Oxfordshire on Friday, July 18.

Following the event, Mr Barber will produce an annual report highlighting the number of swans, cygnets, and broods counted during the week.

David Barber said: "The figures for Swan Upping so far in 2025 have exceeded those from 2024, particularly on the Tuesday."