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26 swans from the Queen's own flock were culled by vets on the Thames at Windsor to stop the spread of bird flu.
At least six of the birds are understood to have died from avian influenza amid fears the virus may spread - and another was 'found dead yesterday morning' bringing the death toll to 33.
Vets at the Swan Lifeline rescue centre were called in by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to humanely cull the swans.
The Crown owns all mute swans - the most common of the UK's three species - found on open water in Britain.
26 swans from the Queen's own flock were culled by vets on the Thames at Windsor to stop the spread of bird flu
At least six of the birds are understood to have died from avian influenza amid fears the virus may spread - and another was 'found dead yesterday morning'
The Queen's Swan marker David Barber has reportedly informed the monarch who is said to be 'saddened' and asked to be kept 'fully updated' with any news, according to The Sun Online.
A traditional annual stock-take of swans on the River Thames is carried out each summer.
Known as Swan Upping, the ceremony dates back to the 12th century when the ownership of all unmarked mute swans in open water in Britain was claimed by the Crown in order to ensure a ready supply for feasts.
Vets at the Swan Lifeline rescue centre were called in by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to humanely cull the swans
