THE Queen is well known for her love of animals, being an avid horse rider all her life and a breeder of her beloved corgis.
It’s not the only animal commonly associated with the monarch, as she also owns all the swans in the UK.
But it’s not the only creature she can lay claim to, as the 94-year-old also technically owns all the whales and dolphins within three miles of the UK shore.
Also included in the list of aquatic creatures the Queen owns are all the sturgeons – a type of fish – and porpoises which swim too close to the shore as well.
The archaic law dates back to the 14th century, and still stands today.
King Edward II issued a statute in 1324, which says: “The king shall have wreck of the sea throughout the realm, whales and sturgeons taken in the sea or elsewhere within the realm, except in certain places privileged by the king.”
The document also adds: “Certain customs also once prevailed as to dividing the whale, and giving the head to the king and the tail to the queen.”
According to UK Whales, around 30 different species of whales and dolphins visit British waters, with the most common the bottlenose dolphin and harbour porpoise.
Fin whales, the second largest species of whales, appear in the channel in late winter, while Minke whales are also often spotted.
And we revealed the Queen has worn the same jacket for 25 years – and even refused a free new one when it was offered.
In more Royal Family news, Prince Charles revealed he cannot wait to give his grandchildren a hug after lockdown eases.
Plus The Queen ‘is not a foodie’ and follows a no-carb diet when eating on her own, her former chef revealed.
