The King’s swans are at risk of being wiped out from a surge in bird flu.

The current avian influenza outbreak has seen higher numbers of cases in the UK than last winter, although it is not yet as the previous year which was the largest outbreak the country has ever experienced.

It is understood that the particular strain spreading impacts waterfowl species the most, such as swans and geese.

King Charles holds the historical right to claim all unmarked mute swans in open waters, although this right is primarily exercised on certain stretches of the River Thames.

Dr Teresa Frost, head of waterbird monitoring at the British Trust for Ornithology said: "We are keeping a close eye on the situation in wild birds, with the Animal and Plant Health Agency reporting confirmed cases in over thi

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