Four individuals have been arrested in London after a protest involving apple crumble was directed at a display case containing the historic Crown Jewels. The incident took place at The Tower of London, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and a temporary closure of the Jewel House.
An organization known as Take Back Power, which identifies itself as a civil resistance group, claimed responsibility for the protest. The group posted footage on social media showing two of its members smothering the display case of the Imperial State Crown with apple crumble and custard. According to a police statement, the four protesters were taken into custody, and the Jewel House was closed to the public while the investigation continues.
The Crown Jewels: A Symbol of British Heritage
The Crown Jewels, housed within the 1,000-year-old fortress of the Tower of London, are among Britain’s most treasured artifacts. Comprising more than 100 objects and over 23,000 gemstones, these regalia are used in the coronations of new monarchs and are considered of immense cultural, historical, and symbolic value. The Imperial State Crown, specifically, is worn by King Charles on official occasions, including the state opening of Parliament and his return to Buckingham Palace after his coronation in 2023.
Every year, over three million visitors are drawn to the Tower of London, with the Crown Jewels being a major attraction. Historic Royal Palaces, the charity managing the Tower, confirmed that the Crown Jewels were not damaged during the protest. “The Crown Jewels have not been damaged,” the organization stated, adding that their staff responded promptly to the incident.
Protest and Political Demands
Take Back Power stated that their protest aimed to highlight demands for the UK government to impose taxes on the super-rich. The group is calling for the establishment of a permanent citizen’s assembly with the authority to tax extreme wealth and address systemic issues in Britain. In a statement posted online, they declared, “Britain is broken.”
The protesters involved in the incident wore T-shirts emblazoned with “take back power” and a logo. One protester stated, “We’ve come here, to the jewels of the nation, to take back power.” The footage also captured a female staff member attempting to intervene, repeatedly calling for assistance via a walkie-talkie.
Direct Action and Cultural Targets
This protest is part of a broader trend of direct action demonstrations targeting cultural, sporting, and other significant sites in Britain and beyond. Previous stunts have included targeting Vincent van Gogh’s glass-protected Sunflowers painting with tomato soup and daubing Stonehenge with orange paint powder. These actions are often carried out to draw attention to various social and political causes.
While the Crown Jewels remained unharmed, the incident raises questions about security measures at cultural heritage sites and the balance between protecting historical artifacts and allowing public access. The Historic Royal Palaces charity emphasized the importance of safeguarding these treasures, which are part of the Royal Collection held in trust by the monarch for the nation.
Implications and Future Considerations
The arrest of the protesters and the temporary closure of the Jewel House highlight the ongoing debate over the role of direct action in modern protest movements. As similar demonstrations continue to occur, authorities and cultural institutions may need to reassess their security protocols and engage in dialogue with activist groups to address underlying grievances.
Looking forward, the incident could prompt discussions about the responsibilities of both protestors and institutions in preserving cultural heritage while advocating for change. As the investigation unfolds, further details may emerge about the motivations behind the protest and the potential impact on public policy.
