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Monday 23/02/2026

Protesters Arrested After Custard and Crumble Attack on Crown Jewels

Protesters throwing custard and apple crumble at Crown Jewels display.
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Four individuals were arrested after throwing custard and apple crumble at the Crown Jewels display in the Tower of London.
  • The protest was organized by Take Back Power, demanding a permanent citizen's assembly to address UK inequality.
  • The Imperial State Crown was not damaged, and the Jewel House reopened to the public later that day.
  • The protest is part of a series of actions by Take Back Power, an offshoot of Just Stop Oil.
  • The incident highlights ongoing tensions over wealth inequality and the role of civil resistance in the UK.

In a dramatic protest against inequality in the UK, four individuals were arrested after hurling custard and apple crumble at the display case housing the Imperial State Crown at the Tower of London. The incident, which occurred shortly before 10:00 GMT on Saturday, led to the temporary closure of the Jewel House, a popular tourist attraction.

Protest and Arrests

The protest was orchestrated by Take Back Power, a self-described non-violent civil resistance group, which has emerged as an offshoot of the environmental activist group Just Stop Oil. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of four individuals on suspicion of criminal damage. The group demands the establishment of a permanent citizen's assembly, or "House of the People," to address issues of extreme wealth and social inequality in the UK.

Impact on the Crown Jewels

Despite the dramatic nature of the protest, Historic Royal Palaces assured the public that the Imperial State Crown, a symbol of the British monarchy, was unharmed. The crown, adorned with thousands of precious stones, is typically worn by the King during formal ceremonies. The Jewel House reopened to visitors later in the afternoon, following a police investigation.

Public Reaction and Group's Statement

Footage shared by Take Back Power showed protesters slamming a tray of crumble and pouring custard over the display case, while shouting slogans like "Democracy has crumbled" and "Britain is broken." Zahra Ali, a 19-year-old student and one of the activists, stated, "Our country is crumbling before our eyes," highlighting the disparity between the wealth of the monarchy and the plight of the homeless.

Background and Previous Actions

This protest follows a series of similar actions by Take Back Power, including a recent demonstration at the Ritz hotel. The group has been active on social media channels associated with Just Stop Oil, which previously announced a halt to its direct action tactics. The incident underscores the ongoing debate over the effectiveness and ethics of civil resistance in addressing social issues.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The recent protest at the Tower of London raises questions about the future of civil resistance movements in the UK. As Take Back Power continues to gain visibility, the government may face increased pressure to address the group's demands for a citizen's assembly. Legal consequences for the protesters could set a precedent for how similar acts are handled in the future. Experts suggest that while the protest draws attention to wealth inequality, it also challenges the boundaries of acceptable protest methods, potentially influencing public opinion and policy discussions on civil disobedience.

Images from the Web

Additional article image
Image Source: Take Back Power