Just got an email from a friend linking me to a page on the Royal website about Swan Upping? What is Swan Upping and why is it relevant to politics? Well, dealing with the second part of the question first it has absolutely no relevance to politics; it just amuses me (which brings me to what it is). Basically it’s a bunch of blokes, dressed in silly clothes, running around in rowing boats on the Thames capturing Swans to count them. Why? Why the hell not.
We’re a funny people:
Right, back to politics.
September 4th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
This is one of the prerogatives of the Crown which may be under review as part of the Governance of Britain exercise, no?
In which case, quite relevant to politics.
September 7th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Swan Upping is an English, not Br*tish, institution, dating from mediaeval times and now exercised on behalf of the Br*tish (soon to be English again) crown on English rivers and streams.
Were it performed in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland the custom would be described in the adjective appropriate to the respective country. Is it only the English who are expected to surrender their identity in the cause of Br*tishness?
September 8th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Hi William,
I think you read a bit more into my use of British than was intended! But point taken nevertheless.
Best,
Shane