Four people were arrested on Saturday after a protest at the Tower of London, where food was thrown at a display case containing the crown jewels. The action was claimed by Take Back Power, a non-violent civil-resistance group, which said custard and apple crumble were flung at the case holding the imperial state crown.
Scotland Yard reported that police were called at 09:48 after four protesters threw suspected food at the display case. Two left the scene, but all four were later arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taken into custody. The Tower of London, a major tourist attraction, was partially closed while police investigated but reopened later that afternoon. Historic Royal Palaces confirmed the crown jewels were not damaged.
Take Back Power said the stunt aimed to demand the UK government establish a permanent citizens' assembly, or 'House of the People', with the power to tax extreme wealth. Footage shared by the group showed a demonstrator slamming a foil tray of crumble against the glass and another pouring custard on the case. They then revealed T-shirts reading 'Take Back Power' and shouted slogans including 'democracy has crumbled'.
The group named one activist as 19-year-old student Zahra Ali 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.'
Surprised tourists watched the protest, while a Tower of London worker radioed for help. Initial reports of a full site closure were corrected; only the Jewel House was temporarily shut.
