Protesters throw custard at UK State Crown display case

Four people were arrested for throwing food at the display case housing the Imperial State Crown at the Tower of London, police said, prompting the temporary closure of part of the historic building that houses the Crown Jewels.

The organization, Take Back Power, which describes itself as a civil resistance group, posted footage of the incident on social media and said two of its members had smothered the storefront with apple cake and cream.

London police said in a statement that four protesters were detained following reports of criminal damage to the storefront shortly before 10am on Saturday morning.

The statement said, “He was taken into custody. The Jewelery House was closed to the public while the police investigation continues.”

The Imperial State Crown is worn by King Charles on certain official occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament.

She also wore this necklace when she returned to Buckingham Palace after her coronation at Westminster Abbey in 2023.

More than three million people visit the 1,000-year-old castle every year; The famous Crown Jewels, consisting of crowns, orbs, sceptres and other items, are one of the main attractions.

Historic Royal Palaces, which manages the tower, said its staff responded quickly to the incident.

The Jewelery House was briefly closed while police continued their investigation.

“The Crown Jewels were not damaged,” the statement said.

Video of the action at the Tower of London, once the royal palace and also known as a prison where Anne Boleyn, Thomas More and others were executed, shows two protesters attacking the proceedings as other visitors retreat in shock.

After an employee intervened and radioed for help, two demonstrators held up a banner that read: “Democracy has collapsed. Tax the rich.”

Take Back Power said its protest was to highlight its demands that the government tax the rich.

with AP