Historic Royal Palaces announces the temporary closure and reopening of the Jewel House at the Tower of London after a vandalism incident. Four protesters threw apple crumble and custard at the display case containing the Imperial State Crown on Saturday, December 6, shortly before 10:00 GMT. Security responded immediately, and the site reopened early in the afternoon with no damage to the priceless artifacts.
The protesters, affiliated with the group Take Back Power, carried out the act to demand a permanent citizen's assembly to address wealth inequality. They shouted slogans such as "Democracy has crumbled" and "Britain is broken" while slamming food against the protective glass. Take Back Power, a new civil resistance organization linked to Just Stop Oil, described the stunt as a non-violent protest against extreme wealth.
Metropolitan Police arrested the four individuals on suspicion of criminal damage. Policing Minister Sarah Jones condemned the action as "disgraceful," emphasizing the distinction between democratic protest and unacceptable behavior.
Historic Royal Palaces confirms the Imperial State Crown, worn by King Charles III at his 2023 coronation, remains unharmed. The organization prioritizes visitor safety and heritage protection. This incident follows a similar action by the group at the Ritz hotel earlier in the week.