British Monarchy Upholds Ancient Traditions Including Hostage Ritual and Royal Swan Census

The British monarchy maintains a series of unusual and historic traditions that have been preserved for centuries, some rooted in superstition or past security needs. One notable custom is the "Ceremony of the Keys," a 700-year-old ritual in which the gates of the Tower of London are locked every night at exactly 9:53 PM, a practice that continued even during the bombings of London in World War II.

Another longstanding tradition involves the royal ravens at the Tower of London. According to an old belief, the monarchy will fall if the ravens ever leave the fortress. To prevent this, a designated "Ravenmaster" ensures that at least six ravens are always present.

In a politically symbolic act, the monarchy takes a member of the House of Commons hostage at Buckingham Palace whenever the king opens a new parliamentary session. This historical practice was intended to deter parliamentarians from harming the monarch.

Royal dining customs are also highly regulated. During festive meals, guests are weighed before and after eating, a practice dating back to King Edward VII to ensure everyone ate well, with an expected weight gain of three pounds. Additionally, sandwiches served at royal events must be round, as pointed edges are considered symbols of treason.

The monarchy also maintains special ties with animals. The king owns all swans in Britain, and the annual "Swan Upping" ceremony involves royal representatives counting the swans along the River Thames. Furthermore, the royal beekeeper must inform the bees of any births, weddings, or deaths in the palace, based on an ancient belief linking bees to the afterlife and to avoid bad luck.

Finally, the monarch celebrates a "double birthday," with an official birthday marked by a grand military parade known as Trooping the Colors, a tradition started by King Edward VII who preferred a summer celebration over his actual November birthday.