The announcement of the sad news of the Queen’s passing, like all of the events following her death, followed strict protocol. The Prime Minister was informed using a pre-arranged code “London Bridge is down”. And somewhere, deep in the gardens of Buckinham palace, the royal beekeeper informed the royal bees.

That’s right the beekeeper, John Chapple, who’s been the Queen’s beekeeper for 15 years and takes care of up to a million bees, personally went to each hive in both Buckingham palace and Clarence house, to let them know that the queen was dead. Interviewed for the daily mail he said ‘You knock on each hive and say, ‘The mistress is dead, but don't you go. Your master will be a good master to you.’ He then said a little prayer and put a black ribbon on each hive.

Why does he tell the bees? Where does this tradition come from ? ⁠In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !⁠

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A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue.

First Broadcast: 22/9/2022

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