In a dramatic act of protest, four individuals were arrested on Saturday after targeting the iconic Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. The group hurled custard and apple crumble at the protective display case housing the priceless British regalia.
The Protest and Its Message
Police confirmed the arrests at the historic site. The action was claimed by a group calling itself Take Back Power, which describes itself as a civil resistance organisation. The group shared video footage of the incident on social media platforms. In the clips, a young woman can be heard shouting, "Democracy has crumbled!" while a man added, "Britain is broken." He further stated their purpose was to come to the "jewels of the nation, to take back power."
In an official statement, Take Back Power outlined their demands. They are calling on the UK government to establish a permanent House of the People. This proposed body would have the authority to tax extreme wealth and implement measures to "fix Britain."
Immediate Aftermath and Historical Value
Following the incident, the Tower's Jewel House was temporarily closed to visitors. The four protesters were taken into custody on suspicion of criminal damage. However, Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity responsible for the Tower, assured the public that the Crown Jewels themselves sustained no damage.
This collection is not just ornate; it is a treasure of immense historical significance. The Crown Jewels consist of a staggering 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies, and 269 pearls. Historic Royal Palaces emphasises that the crown is "priceless, being of incalculable cultural, historical, and symbolic value." The specific crown involved was crafted for the coronation of King George VI in 1937.
A Pattern of Activism
The Tower of London protest marks the second such demonstration claimed by Take Back Power in recent days. Earlier, on Wednesday, three protesters dumped bags of manure beneath the Christmas tree at the luxurious Ritz hotel. These coordinated actions appear to be part of a broader campaign to draw attention to their cause.
The Crown Jewels are typically stored securely in the Tower of London's Jewel House and are only removed for major state events. Their last prominent public appearance was during the coronation of King Charles III earlier this year. Apart from coronations, they are used for ceremonies like the State Opening of Parliament.
