In a bizarre act of protest, activists targeted one of Britain's most iconic treasures on Saturday, throwing custard and apple crumble over the protective case housing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. The incident led to the immediate closure of the Jewel House and the arrest of four individuals.
The Sweet Yet Defiant Protest
The civil resistance group known as Take Back Power claimed responsibility for the act. They posted footage online showing two of their members smearing the dessert across the display case containing the priceless Imperial State Crown. The protest took place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, shortly before 10:00 AM GMT (approximately 3:30 PM IST).
In a social media post accompanying the video, the group stated their motive: "Democracy has crumbled. Billionaires buy political influence whilst homeless people die on the streets. We need a House of the People to tax the rich." The message was a direct call for the government to impose higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy.
Swift Police Response and Arrests
London's Metropolitan Police, specifically Scotland Yard, responded rapidly to the scene. Officers were called at 09:48 hours following reports of criminal damage. Working with City of London police and security staff, they detained four protesters on suspicion of criminal damage.
All four individuals were taken into police custody. Authorities reported that while four people were involved in throwing the suspected food, two attempted to leave the scene before being apprehended.
No Damage to Jewels, Site Reopens
Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that manages the Tower of London, confirmed a crucial detail: the Crown Jewels themselves were not damaged. The dessert was smeared on the exterior of the display case. Staff acted swiftly to secure the area.
The Jewel House was temporarily closed to the public to allow for police investigation and cleaning. However, it reopened later the same day after officers completed their on-site checks. The Tower of London is a major global tourist attraction, drawing over three million visitors annually, with the Crown Jewels being its premier exhibit.
This incident highlights the growing trend of unconventional protests at high-profile cultural sites to draw attention to political and economic grievances. While the method was unusual, it successfully generated significant media coverage for the group's demands concerning wealth inequality and taxation.
