5 Strange British Royal Traditions That Somehow Still Exist Today

When it comes to traditions, the British Royal Family has some that, if they weren’t real, would be almost impossible to believe. Some involve ancient property deals, while others focus on birds, scales, and even symbolic hostage-taking.

What’s most surprising is that these strange British royal traditions continue today under King Charles III, the House of Windsor, and the British Crown. By American standards, they’re wonderfully strange, which may help explain why the royals continue to fascinate so many people.

The Ravenmaster and the Tower Ravens

At least six ravens are traditionally kept at the Tower of London because legend claims the Crown and kingdom will fall if the birds leave. An official Ravenmaster leads the team responsible for feeding them, checking their health, and maintaining their enclosures.

Historic Royal Palaces states that the current birds receive raw meat, eggs, and even blood-soaked biscuits. Ravens that misbehave have reportedly disappeared or been “sacked,” including one that damaged television antennas. 

King Charles III inherited this wonderfully odd connection to the Crown. In the United States, protecting national stability by employing a ceremonial bird keeper would sound more like a fantasy plot than a public institution.

Paying Rent With a French Flag

Every year, the Duke of Wellington owes the British monarch an unusual form of rent. Instead of money, he provides a copy of a French tricolor flag to mark the first Duke’s victory over Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815.

According to the Royal Collection Trust, Parliament purchased the Stratfield Saye estate for Wellington in 1817. His successors were required to give the sovereign one tricolored flag each June 18. The banner for the current year is traditionally displayed at Windsor Castle. 

As a collector, I love the idea of rent being paid with a historical object. Under American property law, however, handing over a replica battle flag instead of a check would create some very confused landlords and now fits perfectly in our list of strange British royal traditions.

Taking a Member of Parliament Hostage

Britain’s monarch still leaves an elected politician behind at Buckingham Palace while attending the State Opening of Parliament. The MP isn’t locked in a dungeon, but the person is ceremonially described as a “hostage” who guarantees the sovereign’s safe return.

The UK Parliament website confirmed that this happened during the 2026 State Opening. The chosen official is traditionally the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household, who also serves as a government whip. 

This ritual reflects centuries of tension between Parliament and the Crown. Today, King Charles III and Parliament treat it as pageantry. Strange, even by palace standards. In Washington, symbolically holding a member of Congress as presidential collateral would trigger immediate outrage.

Weighing Guests at Christmas

Guests attending the House of Windsor’s Christmas gathering at Sandringham have reportedly been weighed before and after the holiday meal. King Edward VII is credited with beginning the custom because gaining weight supposedly proved that visitors had eaten well and enjoyed themselves.

ELLE reported in 2025 that the practice persists, although private royal family customs are rarely confirmed by Buckingham Palace. Former royal butler Grant Harrold also said Queen Elizabeth II used the scales for fun, but he couldn’t confirm whether King Charles continues the ritual every year. 

I can appreciate an old-fashioned Christmas tradition. Yet, a public weigh-in after turkey and pudding isn’t one I’d volunteer to preserve.

Swan Upping on the Thames

Each July, scarlet-clad rowers spend five days traveling along the River Thames to locate, count, weigh, and examine mute swans. The procession is led by the King’s Swan Marker and remains officially connected to the British Crown.

Information from the Royal Family’s website shows that the monarch retains the right to claim unmarked mute swans in open waters, although that right is now mainly exercised on parts of the Thames. Swan Upping has shifted from protecting a valuable banquet food to supporting conservation and education. 

The 2026 census ran from July 13 through July 17. America has wildlife surveys, of course, but few involve royal ownership claims, ceremonial uniforms, and centuries-old swan officials.