The Tower of London’s “queen” raven is missing and feared dead, according to beefeaters at the iconic fortress.
Merlina, who joined the flock in 2007, has not been seen for several weeks.
The Tower usually has six ravens at any time and, according to legend, if they ever leave then both the fortress and the kingdom will fall. There are currently seven in residence.
A spokesman said Merlina’s “continued absence indicates to us that she may have sadly passed away”.
He added: “Merlina was our undisputed ruler of the roost, queen of the Tower ravens.
“She will be greatly missed by her fellow ravens, the ravenmaster, and all of us in the Tower community.”
Ravenmaster Christopher Skaife said he would be taking some time to mourn Merlina who built up a massive social media following of her own.
“I know so many of you lovely folk will be saddened by this news,” he said in a social media statement.
“None more than me. Please excuse my absence for a few days.”
Tower staff added that they had no immediate plans to replace Merlina.
Charles II is believed to have been the first monarch to officially decree that the birds must be kept at the Tower at all times and a breeding programme has recently been launched for them.
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