According to Michael Chandler, the Ravenmaster and Yeoman Warder (or ‘Beefeater’), the King is keen on visiting the ravens housed at the Tower, as they are traditionally considered omens of good fortune.
The tradition of keeping ravens at the Tower dates back to Charles II, who was the first monarch to request their presence. Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, both the fortress and the kingdom will fall. Typically, six ravens are kept at this historic site.
Michael Chandler, a former Marine, told The Telegraph, “They [the ravens] are serving His Majesty as much as we in the [King’s] bodyguard do.” He added that the King checks on the ravens regularly, a habit also shared by his late mother.
According to Historic Royal Palaces, the order to keep the ravens was given despite objections from John Flamsteed, the King’s astronomer, who complained that the birds interfered with his observatory work in the White Tower. Today, the Tower has its own raven breeding program, and the birds are fed a diet of mice, chicks, rats, and assorted raw meats, with the occasional treat of biscuits soaked in blood.
As for King Charles, he interrupted his family’s summer break at Balmoral on Tuesday to visit the families of the victims of a recent knife attack in Southport. The tragic attack, which occurred on July 29 during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, resulted in the deaths of three girls.
While in Southport, the King is expected to hold a private meeting with some of the surviving children who were at the Hart Space Community Centre during the attack, as well as their families. He is also set to meet with representatives from Merseyside’s Police, Fire and Rescue, and Ambulance services, along with local groups affected by the violent incident.
Shortly after news of the shocking attack broke, Charles shared a heartfelt message on his official social media channels.
“My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today,” he wrote. He added, “We send our most heartfelt condolences, prayers, and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack. Charles R.”
