The charred remains of a swan belonging to the Queen of England were found on the banks of the Thames in a popular picnic area on Baths Island. Park wardens discovered the barbecued bird on Sunday afternoon…its feathers still attached, the meat stripped from its royals bones.
A representative from Swan Lifeline, an organization that cares for sick or injured birds along the Thames, told Sky News that “it’s absolutely disgusting doing something like that. We’ve heard for years that sort of thing goes on; we’ve never actually seen it…But to barbecue a swan and leave its body in the centre of Windsor with all the tourists and children about is absolutely disgraceful.”
She added that the gruesome discovery flies in the face of the barbecue policy in the area, “There were no remains of a fire, but they’re always having barbecues up there even though they’re not allowed. And I think that’s why the park wardens had gone up there, to tell people not to barbecue.”
The Queen’s Swan Marker, David Barber, was equally appalled, “It’s an absolutely shocking situation…All swans are considered by people to be Royal birds and it’s quite a shock to people to see this in a middle of a picnic lawn in a public area.”
The suspects could face a six month jail sentence and a £5,000 fine because wild swans are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
By law, the Queen has the right to claim any swan throughout England. If the Crown decides to claim this particular charbroiled bird, the suspects could face additional charges for damaging Crown property.
Photo: Sky News
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