The Regal Swan® Foundation, Inc., will present Her Majesty’s Swan Marker’s North American Tour, beginning September 8, in Lakeland, Florida. Lakeland and Stratford, Ontario are the only two North American cities chosen for the tour. Both cities were specifically chosen for this prestigious tour due to their commitment to swan conservation.

During a trip to England in March by the Foundation’s research team, Her Majesty’s Swan Marker, David Barber, discussed with Sheila Bolin, CEO/President of The Regal Swan Foundation, Inc., the possibility of a one day charitable presentation on the subject of Royal Swan Upping in Florida and Canada, to commemorate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration.

The Regal Swan® Foundation and the Junior Women’s League of Lakeland will host Barber at the League’s Sorosis Building on Lake Morton, in Lakeland, on Saturday, September 8. The one-night speaking event will focus on The Queen’s Diamond Celebration as well as Her swan conservation efforts.

In 1957, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II donated a pair of mating swans to the city of Lakeland. City of Lakeland representatives will officially thank Mr. Barber for The Queen’s swan donation at the reception. Several key Lakeland residents including Dr. Wade Gardner and Dr. Geoffrey R. Gardner, the original swan veterinarians for the city’s flock, will also be recognized.

Barber, a member of the Royal Household, is pleased to support the Regal Swan Foundation in their conservation work with swans. The Regal Swan research team, comprised of two veterinarians, Dr. Geoffrey R. Gardner and Dr. Christopher Brown; and Dr. Fanchon F. Funk, Angi H. Perretti, Shirley A. Bolin and Sheila A. Bolin traveled to England in March 2012 to be filmed for the television show “Born to Explore” hosted by Richard Wiese. The Regal Swan documentary will be shown in September, 2012 on ABC and National Geographic will show the documentary internationally in October and November 2012.

Sponsors include: Majestic Swan (Wine), Rafa Natural Lakeland, Black Swan Lakeland,Hyatt Place Lakeland Center, Cannon Automotive Group, Imperial Orchestra, The Regal Swan Foundation, Inc., Junior League of Greater Lakeland, Historic Lakeland, ACT, City of Lakeland, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Premier Party Rentals, Wakeman’s Parkview, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill, Mary Witte, Lori and Dave Powell.