LONDON (AP) — On Saturday, four protesters were arrested for their dramatic demonstration at the Tower of London, where they splattered food on the case housing the historic Imperial State Crown. This crown, adorned with precious gemstones and used during significant royal ceremonies, was the target of this civil disobedience action by a group named Take Back Power.
The protest involved smearing apple crumble and pouring yellow custard—two classic components of British desserts—onto the display case protecting the crown. The Imperial State Crown is notable for being worn by King Charles III during his coronation in May 2023 and during a key speech to Parliament in July 2024. Crafted for Charles’s grandfather, King George VI, in 1937, the crown features a stunning array of 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies, and 269 pearls.
Following the incident, the police intervened, arresting the demonstrators on suspicion of criminal damage. Fortunately, Historic Royal Palaces confirmed that the crown and other valuable jewels remained unharmed. The organization behind the protest is advocating for a permanent citizens' assembly and expresses a desire to impose taxes on extreme wealth.
During the protest, two of the group's members actively threw the food while the other two were also apprehended. The protesters cleverly played on the dessert theme, humorously referring to their arrest as being taken into "custard-y." This act of civil disobedience is part of a broader trend where activists target notable artworks and artifacts to raise awareness about political issues.
The protest at the Tower of London is reminiscent of previous actions, such as when climate activists were imprisoned last year for tossing a can of tomato soup at Vincent van Gogh's "Sunflowers" at the National Gallery in London. These demonstrations are designed to capture public and media attention regarding ongoing social and political debates.
Footage from the incident shows the protesters surprising visitors, who instinctively recoiled in shock as the food landed on the display case. After an employee of the Tower intervened, the two demonstrators unfurled a banner proclaiming, "Democracy has crumbled. Tax the rich." This statement encapsulates the central message of their activism, highlighting their demand for systemic change in governance and taxation.
The Tower of London, steeped in history as a royal palace and infamous prison, once held notable figures like Anne Boleyn and Thomas More. The chosen location for the protest underscores the tension between historical legacy and contemporary political discourse, making their statement resonate further.
