LONDON — Climate activists from the group Take Back Power staged a dramatic protest at the Tower of London on Saturday, splattering apple crumble and yellow custard on the protective case housing the Imperial State Crown. The incident resulted in four arrests and temporary closure of the Crown Jewels exhibition.
The targeted crown, worn by King Charles III during his 2023 coronation and subsequent parliamentary address, contains 2,868 diamonds alongside numerous other precious gems. Crafted for King George VI’s 1937 coronation, the invaluable artifact emerged unscathed from the demonstration according to Historic Royal Palaces officials.
Police detained the protesters on suspicion of criminal damage following the carefully orchestrated action. Video footage captured two individuals attacking the display case while astonished visitors retreated, after which the activists unfurled a banner proclaiming: “Democracy has crumbled. Tax the rich.”
The civil disobedience group advocates for establishing permanent citizens’ assemblies and implementing taxes on extreme wealth. In a statement laced with wordplay, the organization noted two members had been taken into “custard-y”—a reference to both their detention and the yellow dessert used in the protest.
This incident continues a pattern of environmental and political activists targeting cultural treasures to amplify their messages. Last year, petroleum protesters received prison sentences for throwing tomato soup at the protective glass covering Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” at London’s National Gallery.
The Tower of London, historically serving as both royal palace and prison where figures like Anne Boleyn were executed, remains one of Britain’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing millions annually to view the Crown Jewels.