Protesters Arrested After Throwing Food at Crown Jewels Display

Four individuals were arrested on December 6, 2023, after they threw food at a display case containing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. The incident involved what was reported to be apple crumble and custard, prompting a swift response from the Metropolitan Police.

According to the police, officers arrived at the scene following reports of criminal damage to the display case housing the Imperial State Crown. Two of the protesters managed to flee the scene after launching their food attack. The group responsible, a previously unknown entity named Take Back Power, claimed credit for the act.

Details of the Incident

Video footage shared on social media depicted the moment when a young woman pressed a foil tray of apple crumble against the glass pane of the display, while a male accomplice splattered custard over it. The footage captured the chaotic scene, as the woman yelled, “Democracy has crumbled!” The man echoed her sentiments, exclaiming, “Britain is broken.” Both were dressed in T-shirts emblazoned with the group’s name and logo.

In the video, a female staff member attempted to intervene, calling for assistance while trying to manage the disturbance. The Jewel House, which houses the Crown Jewels, was subsequently closed to the public as authorities initiated an investigation into the incident.

Significance of the Crown Jewels

The Crown Jewels are a collection of over 100 objects, including crowns, sceptres, and orbs, and contain more than 23,000 gemstones. They are considered invaluable cultural, historical, and symbolic treasures of the United Kingdom. The Historic Royal Palaces charity, which oversees the Tower of London, emphasizes their significance, noting that they are part of the Royal Collection held in trust by the monarch for the nation.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the four arrested individuals are in custody and have been charged with criminal damage. They worked closely with the City of London Police and security personnel at the Tower to manage the incident effectively.

This act of protest raises questions about the methods employed by activists in advocating for their causes. While the motivations behind this particular incident remain unclear, the actions of Take Back Power have drawn attention to their message, albeit through a controversial approach.

As investigations continue, the public awaits further updates regarding the motivations behind this unusual demonstration and its implications for security at one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks.