Horwich Honey tells the bees of Queen Elizabeth II's death

Onwer of Horwich Honey took part in the tradition which can be traced back to ancient Egypt, as well as having roots in Celtic culture throughout Europe.

Beekeepers tell their bees of significant happenings in their lives, such as marriages, deaths, or someone’s homecoming.

Was the beekeeper to forget to tell the bees and they were to find out from elsewhere, the tradition goes, the next honey harvest could be a poor one. On top of that, the bees might abscond or even die.

Given the significance of Her Majesty’s death last week, Derek Cartwright, owner of Horwich Honey, took to telling his bees the sad news.

It has been reported by The Daily Mail that the royal beekeeper also did the same.

Derek Cartwright, owner of Horwich Honey (Image: Horwich Honey)

He also told them that we now have a new King in King Charles III.

He said: “I asked the bees to be good and not to cause any upset, especially on the day of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

“I’ve kept bees for more than 30 years and I’ve been telling them all that time.

“It’s a real tradition in the beekeeping community. Sometimes people put black ribbon around the hive.

“I know beekeepers up and down the country have been doing the same.

“There’s a thing about keeping to traditions. It’s a superstition, I suppose.”

Horwich Honey's bee hives (Image: Horwich Honey)

The tradition is so strong within the community that even the late Queen’s personal beekeeper did the same, complete with black ribbons attached to the hives.  

Derek added: “The ancient Egyptians used to be buried with honey, and centuries ago in Europe, honey was a precious because it was sweet and there was no sugar.

“They also believed that bees carried messages to the after world.

“It’s actually a deep thing when you think about it.”

Derek’s honey is much sought after in Horwich. He usually sells out his full harvest within a few weeks of advertising it being on sale.

Horwich Honey's bees (Image: Horwich Honey)

This year he says that he’s had a particularly good yield.

He said: “I’ve had a really good harvest this year, so I don’t want to upset them for next year.”

Howich Honey is due go on sale in a couple of weeks’ time. You can visit their Facebook Page or website – www.horwichhoney.com - to find out more.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18