Tourists shelter under umbrellas as they view The Tower of London in London, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File) via Associated Press
LONDON, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Four people were arrested at London’s Tower of London after they threw food at a display case containing the Imperial State Crown, police said on Saturday, leading to a temporary closure of part of the historic building housing the Crown Jewels.
An organization called 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 display case with apple crumble and custard.
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London police said in a statement that four protesters were detained following the reports of criminal damage to the display case shortly before 1000 GMT.
“They have been taken into custody. The Jewel House has been closed to the public while the police investigation continues.” the statement said.
The Imperial State Crown is worn by King Charles on some official occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament. He also wore it on his return to Buckingham Palace after his coronation in Westminster Abbey in 2023.
King Charles III wearing the Imperial State Crown attends the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, London, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, Pool File) via Associated Press
More than three million people visit the 1,000-year-old fortress every year, with the famous Crown Jewels – made up of crowns, orbs, sceptres and other regalia – being one of the main draws.
Historic Royal Palaces, which manages the Tower, said its staff responded quickly to the incident. The Jewel House was briefly closed while the police carried out their investigation.
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“The Crown Jewels have not been damaged,” it said in a statement.
Take Back Power said its protest was to highlight its demands for the government to tax the super rich.
(Reporting by Michael HoldenEditing by Bernadette Baum)
