27/05/2026
Whales and Kings (and Queens)
As it will soon be the King’s Birthday holiday, have you ever considered the relationship between kings and whales?
Did you know that in the United Kingdom, whales and sturgeons are still legally considered “Royal Fish”, meaning they technically belong to the King if they’re caught or wash ashore?
This strange law dates back to medieval times when whales were viewed as valuable prizes fit only for royalty.
One old rule even declared: “The King gets the head, and the Queen gets the tail.”
Why the tail? Legend says queens wanted the whale’s baleen (“whalebone”) for corsets and dresses!
The tradition still exists today. In 2004, a fisherman in Wales caught a massive sturgeon and had to notify Queen Elizabeth II before he could keep it. She kindly let him do as he pleased with it.
Even more oddly, in Scotland, a whale only counts as royal property if it’s too big to be hauled ashore by six oxen.
Meanwhile, across the Pacific, Indigenous leaders are taking a completely different approach.
Led by the late Māori King, Kīngi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, leaders from across the Pacific signed a historic declaration recognising whales (tohorā) not as property, but as legal persons with inherent rights.
The Hinemoana Halo Ocean Initiative calls for whales to have freedom of movement, the right to cultural expression, and a healthy ocean environment.
It’s an incredible contrast between two worldviews.
One sees whales as possessions of kings whilst the other sees whales as ancient beings worthy of protection, respect, and legal rights.
From “royal fish” to recognised guardians of the ocean, our relationship with whales has come a long way.
Painting by Esaias van de Velde, 1617
