Protesters Attack Crown Jewels Display at Tower of London: Four Arrested in Food-Throwing Incident

The Crown Jewels are Britain's most precious treasures. (Representative image)

United Kingdom:

Four individuals were arrested in London on Saturday after allegedly throwing food items, believed to be apple crumble and custard, at a display case housing Britain's invaluable Crown Jewels within the Tower of London.

Metropolitan Police confirmed they responded to reports of criminal damage to the display case containing the State Crown. Officers stated that "four protesters threw suspected food onto the case before two left the scene."

A relatively unknown activist group called Take Back Power claimed responsibility for the incident. The organization shared video footage on social media platforms showing their demonstration, where a young woman placed a foil tray containing apple crumble against the glass display, followed by a young man who splattered custard from a container on top of it.

Visible inside the protected case was the Imperial State Crown, worn by King Charles III during the conclusion of his 2023 coronation ceremony and at formal state occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament.

Both individuals captured in the footage wore t-shirts displaying "take back power" and the group's logo. The female protester shouted "Democracy has crumbled!" while her male counterpart declared, "Britain is broken," adding "We've come here, to the jewels of the nation, to take back power."

The recording, filmed by another person nearby, showed a female staff member with a communication device attempting to intervene, repeatedly calling "excuse me!" while radioing for assistance.

According to police statements, the Jewel House at the historic tower was temporarily closed to visitors while the investigation proceeded. "Officers worked closely with City of London Police and security officers and four people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage," Metropolitan Police added, noting that the suspects remained in custody.

The Crown Jewels represent Britain's most treasured possessions, including ceremonial regalia used during coronations of new monarchs. The collection encompasses more than 100 objects and over 23,000 gemstones, considered to be "of incalculable cultural, historical, and symbolic value," according to the Historic Royal Palaces charity that manages the Tower of London where the majority of these treasures are preserved.

These priceless jewels form part of the Royal Collection, held in trust by the reigning monarch for the nation.