Crown Jewels Targeted in Protest: ‘Take Back Power’ Demands Wealth Tax
London, UK – December 6, 2023 – In a dramatic act of protest, four activists have been taken into custody after targeting the Crown of the British Empire at the Tower of London. The incident, which occurred earlier today, involved throwing an apple pie and custard at the display case housing the iconic crown, a symbol of the British monarchy. This is a breaking news story, and archyde.com is providing live updates.
What Happened at the Tower of London?
According to reports from PA Media and dpa, one activist initially threw an apple pie (or crumble, as the group playfully noted, referencing the dessert’s ‘crumbling’ state of democracy) at the protective glass surrounding the crown. This was followed by a dousing of bright yellow custard over the display window. As the act unfolded, protesters used a loudspeaker to declare, “Democracy has collapsed. Britain is broken. We came here to the jewels of the nation to take back power.”
The group, identifying themselves as ‘Take Back Power,’ a nonviolent civil resistance movement, immediately claimed responsibility for the action. A Tower of London employee swiftly alerted authorities, and the Metropolitan Police responded quickly, detaining the individuals and launching a full investigation.
Demands for a ‘House of the People’
‘Take Back Power’ isn’t simply staging symbolic gestures. Their core demand centers around economic justice and political reform. They are calling on the UK government to establish a “House of the People” – a citizen assembly empowered to implement a “tax” on the excessively wealthy and address the country’s property inequalities. This isn’t a new call to action; it reflects a growing sentiment regarding wealth distribution and democratic representation in the UK.
The Crown of George VI: A Symbol Under Scrutiny
The Crown of the British Empire, the target of today’s protest, holds immense historical and symbolic weight. Created in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI, it’s a dazzling display of royal craftsmanship, boasting 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies, and 269 pearls, weighing over one kilogram. It was most recently seen atop Charles III’s head during his Coronation procession from Westminster Abbey in 2023.
Thankfully, the crown itself was unharmed during the incident, protected by its robust display case. The Jewel House, where the regalia is kept, was temporarily closed but has since reopened to the public.
A Pattern of Protest: Ritz Hotel Manure Incident
This incident isn’t isolated. ‘Take Back Power’ has been actively escalating its protests in recent days. On December 3rd, three protesters dumped bags of manure in the lobby of the luxurious Ritz Hotel in London, near a lavish Christmas tree, further highlighting their discontent with wealth and privilege. This suggests a deliberate strategy of targeting symbols of affluence and power.
The History of Protest and the Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels themselves have a long and often turbulent history, surviving attempted thefts and even being hidden during wartime to prevent their capture. While physical attacks are rare, the jewels have frequently been the focal point of political demonstrations throughout the centuries. This latest incident underscores the enduring power of these symbols to provoke strong reactions and fuel debate about the role of the monarchy and wealth inequality in modern Britain. Understanding this historical context is crucial for interpreting the motivations behind ‘Take Back Power’s’ actions.
The group’s actions, while disruptive, are intended to spark a national conversation about the future of democracy and economic fairness in the UK. As the investigation unfolds and ‘Take Back Power’ continues to make its voice heard, archyde.com will remain at the forefront of this breaking news story, providing in-depth coverage and analysis. Stay tuned for further updates and explore our dedicated politics section for more on UK current events and SEO optimized content.
Image Placeholder: Exterior view of the Tower of London.
