Protesters detained for smearing custard and crumble on Crown Jewels display at Tower of London

LONDON On Saturday, authorities detained four individuals following an incident in which food was thrown onto the display case of a priceless crown at the Tower of London. The exhibition of the Crown Jewels was temporarily closed after members of the activist group Take Back Power smeared apple crumble and poured yellow custard on the case holding the Imperial State Crown, famously worn by King Charles III during his 2023 coronation and his 2024 parliamentary address.

The Imperial State Crown, adorned with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies, and 269 pearls, was originally created for King George VI's coronation in 1937.

Metropolitan Police confirmed that the arrests were made on suspicion of criminal damage. According to the group advocating for a permanent citizens assembly and higher taxes on extreme wealth, two of their members directly applied the food, while the other two were also taken into custody.

This action is part of a pattern of demonstrations aimed at high-profile cultural treasures to highlight political messages. In a similar case last year, environmental protesters were imprisoned after throwing tomato soup at the glass protecting Van Goghs Sunflowers at Londons National Gallery.

Video footage from the Tower of London, a historic site that once served as both a royal palace and a prison for figures such as Anne Boleyn and Thomas More, showed two activists approaching the Crown Jewels display as bystanders moved back in surprise. After staff intervened and requested assistance, the demonstrators revealed a banner reading, Democracy has crumbled. Tax the rich.

Author: Riley Thompson