London's Metropolitan Police have confirmed the arrest of four individuals following a bizarre and brazen act of protest at the Tower of London on Saturday. The incident involved food items, believed to be apple crumble and custard, being thrown at the display case containing the priceless British Crown Jewels.
Act of Protest at the Jewel House
According to police, officers responded to reports of criminal damage to a display case holding the Imperial State Crown. Four protesters are alleged to have thrown suspected food onto the protective case before two of them attempted to leave the scene. The historic Jewel House was subsequently closed to the public as the investigation unfolded.
Responsibility for the act was claimed by a little-known, self-described civil resistance group calling itself Take Back Power. The group stated its members specifically used apple crumble and custard to target the case.
Video Evidence and Political Message
The group posted footage of the incident on social media. The video shows a young woman placing a foil tray of crumble against the glass pane, followed by a young man splattering custard from a tub on top of it. Both individuals wore t-shirts bearing the group's name and logo.
The video captures the protesters delivering a political message. "Democracy has crumbled!" the woman yelled, to which the man added, "Britain is broken." He further stated, "We've come here, to the jewels of the nation, to take back power." The shimmering Imperial State Crown, worn by King Charles III at his 2023 coronation, was visible inside the case during the attack.
Aftermath and Cultural Significance
The Metropolitan Police worked with City of London Police and security officers to make the arrests. All four individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of criminal damage. A staff member can be seen in the video attempting to intervene and radio for assistance.
The Crown Jewels represent Britain's most precious treasures, comprising regalia used in coronation ceremonies. Managed by the Historic Royal Palaces charity, the collection includes more than 100 objects and over 23,000 gemstones. The institution describes them as being "of incalculable cultural, historical, and symbolic value." The jewels are part of the Royal Collection, held in trust by the monarch for the nation.
