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Protesters target Crown Jewels with food in civil disobedience act
Four individuals were detained on Saturday after throwing custard and apple crumble at the display case housing the Imperial State Crown at the Tower of London, police confirmed.
Incident details
Metropolitan Police officers arrived at the Jewel House shortly before 10:00 GMT following reports of vandalism. The case containing the historic crown was splattered with food, prompting authorities to temporarily close the exhibit while conducting an investigation.
The Tower of London later reopened to visitors early in the afternoon.
Group claims responsibility
The protest was orchestrated by Take Back Power, a recently formed civil-resistance collective advocating for nonviolent direct action. The organization stated its aim was to pressure the UK government into creating a permanent citizen-led assembly, dubbed the "House of the People," with authority to impose taxes on extreme wealth and implement systemic reforms.
"Democracy has crumbled," one protester shouted as custard streamed down the glass. Another declared, "Britain is broken. We've come here to the jewels of the nation to take back power."
Eyewitness accounts
Video footage shared by the group showed a protester forcefully slamming a foil tray of apple crumble against the protective glass of the crown's display case. A second individual then emptied a container of bright yellow custard onto the front of the case.
Tourists appeared startled by the disruption, with one Tower of London staff member seen communicating via radio during the incident.
Recent activism
This marks the second demonstration by Take Back Power within a week. On Wednesday, three activists dumped bags of manure beneath the 25-foot Christmas tree in The Ritz hotel lobby.
Significance of the Imperial State Crown
The targeted artifact is a centerpiece of the British monarchy, worn by King Charles III during his 2023 coronation procession from Westminster Abbey. Crafted in 1937 for George VI's coronation, the crown features 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies, and 269 pearls, weighing over one kilogram.
Outside coronations, the crown is reserved for formal state occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament and is otherwise displayed in the Tower of London's Jewel House.
