THE Queen's Swan Marker has reflected on Her Majesty's "grand interest" in wildlife after her passing last week.

David Barber, now known as the King's Swan Marker, has been in the role for 30 years.

He and representatives of the Crown, take to the River Thames each year to record a census of the swan population between London and Oxfordshire.

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Reflecting on his experiences with Queen Elizabeth II, who died peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday, September 8, he said she had an interest in wildlife and the swan population.

He said: "She was a very, very lovely person. You could get on with her very well. And she took a grand interest in all wildlife but swans as well."

The Queen even accompanied the team of Swan Uppers on their annual census in July 2009.

As King Charles III has become monarch, he has inherited many of the swans on the Thames.

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Mr Barber hoped the King's passion for wildlife would boost conservation efforts for the country's swans.

He said "Not all the swans belong to the King but if he wishes to claim them, he can, by the royal prerogative."

"He's very keen on conservation and all this type of thing, which is absolutely brilliant for us as well.

"So hopefully he will take a nice interest in the swan population. That will help us do our job."

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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