A section of the Tower of London was sealed off on Saturday after protesters targeted one of the nation's most precious treasures with an unusual choice of projectile: apple crumble and custard.
Food-Throwing Incident at the Jewel House
The incident occurred at around 10am on Saturday 6 December 2025. According to police reports, four individuals were involved in an act of criminal damage against the display case containing the Imperial State Crown. Footage from the scene appears to show one person removing a large foil tray of apple crumble from a bag and slamming it against the protective glass. Simultaneously, another protester poured a tub of bright yellow custard over the front of the case.
Arrests and Immediate Aftermath
Officers from the City of London Police and Metropolitan Police worked closely with on-site security to detain the suspects. A police statement confirmed that four people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and have been taken into custody. In response to the incident, access to the Jewel House was immediately restricted while investigations continued, though the wider Tower grounds remained open to visitors.
The group claiming responsibility, Take Back Power, describes itself as a new non-violent civil resistance group.
The Priceless Target: The Imperial State Crown
The crown targeted in the protest is a centrepiece of the Crown Jewels, an irreplaceable collection considered the most famous of the nation's treasures. The Imperial State Crown itself is a masterpiece of jewellery, containing:
- 2,868 diamonds
- 269 pearls
- 17 sapphires
- 11 emeralds
It features historically significant stones like the Stuart Sapphire and the Black Prince's Ruby. Originally crafted for King George VI in 1937, the crown is still used in major royal ceremonies, including the State Opening of Parliament.
The full extent of any damage to the display case or the historic environment is currently being assessed by authorities. The incident has raised immediate questions about security protocols surrounding the United Kingdom's most iconic historical artefacts.
