Queen Elizabeth II owns every dolphin in the UK's water - bizarre monarchy facts
THE QUEEN owns every dolphin living in British waters.
The lesser known fact has been discussed as the UK prepares to mark 70 years of Her Majesty's reign. The Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend takes place from June 2 to June 5. There are multiple peculiar, and certainly interesting, facts about Britain’s longest-reigning monarch that many people don’t know.
The fact about dolphin is also true of whales and sturgeons around the British Isles and other commonwealth nations.
This law dates back to a statute from 1324, which is still valid today and means the creatures have the title "fishes royal".
The statute issued during the reign of King Edward II states: "Also the King shall have...whales and sturgeons taken in the sea or elsewhere within the realm."
According to TIME magazine, sturgeons, porpoises, whales and dolphins are recognized as "fishes royal".
When these are captured within three miles of UK shores - or if they wash ashore - they may be claimed on behalf of the Crown.
Among other living creatures Her Majesty owns are all the Swans in the River Thames.
According to the official website of the Royal Family, the monarch’s assets include all unmarked mute swans in “certain stretches of the Thames and its surrounding tributaries".
An office of the Royal Household named Warden of the Swans is responsible for the care of the animals.
Another office of the Royal Household named Marker of the Swans, or Swan Marker, organises the annual event of Swan Upping on the River Thames.
The role advises organisations throughout the country about swan welfare and incidents involving swans, he monitors the health of the local swan population and advises fishing and boating organisations how to work with wildlife.
The Queen's Swan Marker works closely with swan rescue organisations and supervises the rescue of sick and injured swans.
He also co-ordinates the removal of swans from stretches of the River Thames used for summer rowing regattas.