Footage circulating online shows a woman calmly walking up to the glass before whipping out a foil tray of apple crumble and throwing it onto the case.
In a shocking protest that has left the United Kingdom reeling, four individuals were arrested after launching an unusual attack involving apple crumble and custard on the glass case protecting the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. The incident occurred just before 10 a.m. on Saturday, drawing immediate police response to the historic site.
The British Crown Jewels, considered officially priceless and uninsured, are estimated to be valued between $4 billion and over $8 billion. The targeted display housed the Imperial State Crown, famously worn by King Charles during his 2023 coronation and other significant state occasions.
Footage shared widely online captures the moment a woman approached the glass case, calmly produced a foil tray of apple crumble, and hurled it at the protective glass. In quick succession, a male protester smeared yellow custard across the front, leaving onlookers in disbelief. A staff member, equipped with a walkie-talkie, attempted to intervene and promptly called for additional support.
Protest and Arrest
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of four individuals at the scene. The female protester was heard shouting, “Democracy has crumbled!” as a staff member tried to shield her from cameras. Her male counterpart added, “Britain is broken! We’ve come here, to the jewels of the nation, to take back power.”
The protesters then positioned themselves in front of the defaced display, holding a banner that read, “Democracy has crumbled – Tax The Rich.” Both individuals wore T-shirts bearing the name and logo of the group Take Back Power, a self-described nonviolent civil resistance organization that has claimed responsibility for the stunt.
Take Back Power’s Demands
In a statement, Take Back Power declared their demands for the UK government to establish a permanent citizens’ assembly with the authority to tax extreme wealth and address systemic issues in Britain. The group has been active in recent weeks, having also targeted the Ritz Hotel by dumping bags of manure next to its Christmas tree earlier in the week.
The Jewel House, which temporarily closed for police investigations, has since reopened to the public, allowing visitors to once again view the historic artifacts.
Historical Context and Expert Opinions
The Crown Jewels have long been symbols of British heritage and monarchy, with their protection considered a matter of national importance. The Imperial State Crown, in particular, is a centerpiece of royal ceremonies. The protest’s symbolic targeting of these treasures underscores the protestors’ message about perceived inequalities and governance failures.
Dr. Emily Carter, a sociopolitical analyst, commented on the protest, stating, “This act, while unconventional, highlights a growing frustration among citizens regarding wealth distribution and political representation. The use of the Crown Jewels as a focal point is a powerful statement on the perceived disconnect between the ruling class and the populace.”
“The Crown Jewels are not just artifacts; they represent the continuity and tradition of the British monarchy. Attacking them symbolically attacks the very institution they stand for,” Dr. Carter added.
Implications and Future Actions
The protest has sparked a broader conversation about civil disobedience and its role in modern activism. While some criticize the methods used by Take Back Power, others argue that such actions are necessary to draw attention to pressing societal issues.
Moving forward, the UK government faces pressure to address the concerns raised by the group and others like it. The call for a citizens’ assembly and tax reforms reflects a growing demand for systemic change in the face of economic disparity and political dissatisfaction.
As the debate continues, authorities are likely to increase security measures around national treasures and landmarks to prevent similar incidents. The conversation around wealth inequality and democratic representation, however, is far from over, with activists promising further actions to ensure their voices are heard.
