Anti-monarchy protesters gathered in London this morning in an attempt to overshadow the annual Trooping the Colour celebrations. Members of the protest group Republic were pictured on The Mall holding their recognizable yellow signs calling for the abolition of the monarchy. They also displayed photographs of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor walking in New York's Central Park with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and another image released by the US Department of Justice showing Andrew on all fours above a girl lying on the ground.
Police Restrictions on Protesters
Police instructed anti-monarchy protesters to remain in a designated area on The Mall during the Trooping the Colour ceremony until officers and stewards allow the public to proceed down the route. Republic demonstrators were also ordered not to display flags or use noise-making equipment until people are allowed to move forward. The Metropolitan Police stated that the restrictions are intended to ensure the event “passes off without serious disruption and with minimal disturbance to horses.”
Republic's Response
Republic announced plans to protest “right outside Buckingham Palace” when the royal family assembles on the balcony. Its chief executive, Graham Smith, described the restrictions as “contemptible” and claimed they would keep demonstrators in an area “where we won’t be seen by the royals.” He emphasized that the main message of the protest is to hold the royal family accountable for what they knew about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s friendship with paedophile American financier Jeffrey Epstein.
History of Trooping the Colour
Trooping the Colour, also known as the King's Birthday Parade, has been taking place for over 260 years. It features over 1,500 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians marching in front of the King on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall. First performed during the reign of King Charles II, it became an annual event in 1760 after the accession of King George III. This year, the Grenadier Guards will troop their Colour in front of the King. Their Colonel, Queen Camilla, will also be present to take the salute from a dais on Horse Guards Parade.
Beginning and ending at Buckingham Palace, the celebration includes members of the Royal Family appearing on the balcony to watch an RAF flypast, culminating in the Red Arrows decorating the skies with red, white, and blue.
