One of London's most iconic landmarks was thrown into chaos on Saturday morning after a direct action protest targeted the priceless Crown Jewels. The Tower of London was forced to close its doors to visitors after campaigners flung food at the protective case containing the Imperial State Crown.
Disruption at a Historic Landmark
The incident occurred just before 9:50 AM on Saturday, 6 December, during what would typically be a busy weekend for the capital's premier tourist attraction. According to the Metropolitan Police, four individuals were involved in throwing what was initially reported as suspected food at the display case. The protest was swiftly claimed by a group calling itself Take Back Power, which described itself as a new non-violent civil resistance movement.
The group stated that the substances used were custard and apple crumble. Their target was the case holding the Imperial State Crown, one of the central pieces of the Crown Jewels collection. Officers from the Met, working alongside City of London Police and on-site security, moved quickly to contain the situation.
Arrests and Immediate Aftermath
All four protesters were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taken into police custody. Scotland Yard confirmed the details, noting that two of the individuals attempted to leave the scene following the act. As a precaution and to allow for a police investigation, the decision was made to close the Tower of London to the public for the remainder of the day, disrupting thousands of planned visits.
In a statement explaining their motives, Take Back Power said the stunt was designed to demand that the UK government establish a permanent citizens' assembly. They referred to this proposed body as a "House of the People", which would have the authority to "tax extreme wealth and fix Britain". The action was framed as a protest against deep-seated inequality in the United Kingdom.
Wider Implications and Response
This event highlights the continuing trend of direct action protests targeting high-profile cultural and historical sites to draw attention to political and social causes. The closure of such a significant venue represents a substantial financial and logistical disruption, underscoring the impact of these methods.
While the display case was soiled, initial reports indicate the historic Crown Jewels themselves were not physically damaged due to the robust security casing. However, the incident raises immediate questions about security protocols at major heritage sites. The investigation by the Metropolitan Police remains ongoing as they assess the full extent of the incident and the motives behind it.
