Protesters attacked the display of the Imperial State Crown at the Tower of London earlier today, to voice their unhappiness with inequality in the UK.
The incident took place just before 10am this morning, with tray of crumble being smeared into the case, followed by a tub of custard.
The Imperial State Crown is one of the newer parts of the Crown Jewels, being made in 1937 for the coronation of George VI. It features some older, more historic jewels however, such as the Black Prince’s Ruby and the Stuart Sapphire, along with over 2800 diamonds.
The piece has been worn by each Monarch since George VI at their coronation, to leave Westminster Abbey, and usually to the State Opening of Parliament.
It lives in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, securely protected by its display case, alongside St Edward’s Crown, and the Ampulla and Annointing Spoon which also play key roles in each coronation.
Four arrested after apple crumble and custard thrown at Crown Jewels in Tower of Londonhttps://t.co/ntiGTwQbQm pic.twitter.com/DumL9QA9w5
— ITV News (@itvnews) December 6, 2025
A video from X shows the event, which was immediately spotted by on-site staff, who attempted to usher the protestors away, and prevent any further attempts, while using a walkie talkie appearing to call for assistance.
‘Britain is broken. We have come here, to the jewels of the nation, to take back power. Join us,’ one said in a video.
Take Back Power – which describes itself as a new non-violent civil resistance group – claims it was responsible, campaigning for higher taxes on the wealthy. The two reputed members held up a sign after the attack, which read ‘Democracy has crumbled – Tax the rich’.
The group released a statement, in which it identified one activist: 19-year-old Zahra Ali, a student from London. She said: ‘Our country is crumbling before our eyes. We have homeless people dying on the very streets that King Charles passed on his way to the coronation, whilst there are more empty homes than unhoused people in this country. It’s time the ultra-rich pay their fair share.’
Police said in a statement: ‘Officers worked closely with City of London Police and security officers and four people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. They have taken into custody.’
The Jewel House was closed to the public while investigations continued.
A spokesperson for Historic Royal Palaces confirmed the Crown Jewels had not been damaged.
A similar activist protest took place a few days ago, by Take Back Power activists, who emptied bags of manure under the Christmas tree at The Ritz,’ in protest against the ‘obscenely wealthy’ before being dragged away by security guards’, reports the Daily Mail.
