Queen Elizabeth's swans killed by bird flu

Queen Elizabeth's swans are dying by the numbers.

According to multiple reports, more than 20 of the Windsor family's swans have died recently -- and the death rate is only expected to grow.

Explained the Queen's official Swan Marker David Barber, "Over 20 swans have died now and there's a lot which are seriously ill which will die — well over 20 more." Scientists are currently investigating the possibility of a bird flu outbreak.

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Barber maintained, "We're waiting to hear from Defra, but yes it is bird flu. I'm sure the Queen would be concerned. You cannot do anything about it. It will burn itself out. They're wild birds and it is spread by wild birds and we've been very unlucky."

Related: The Queen loves animals

Dating back to the 12th century, the Crown has owned all mute swans found in the UK's open waters. Furthermore, the Swan Marker is an 800-year-old title that helps organize a census of the Thames swan population each July.

England is undergoing precautions to help prevent the bird flu from spreading, though scientists have reassured the transmission rate to humans is quite low.