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Four protesters were arrested Saturday after targeting a display case containing the Imperial State Crown at the Tower of London, in the latest incident of activists using cultural landmarks to draw attention to political causes.
Members of a group calling themselves “Take Back Power” splattered apple crumble and yellow custard—traditional British desserts—on the protective case housing the priceless crown. The incident prompted a temporary closure of the Crown Jewels exhibition, one of London’s premier tourist attractions.
The Imperial State Crown, worn by King Charles III during his coronation last year and at the State Opening of Parliament in 2024, remained undamaged. The historic crown contains nearly 3,000 diamonds, along with sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and pearls, and was originally crafted for the 1937 coronation of George VI, King Charles’s grandfather.
“The Crown Jewels themselves were not damaged and remain secure,” a spokesperson for Historic Royal Palaces confirmed. London Metropolitan Police stated that all four individuals were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
Video footage captured the moment when two protesters approached the display case and deployed the food substances while shocked tourists looked on. A Tower of London employee quickly intervened and called for assistance. The activists then unfurled a banner with the slogan “Democracy has crumbled. Tax the rich.”
Take Back Power, which advocates for a permanent citizens’ assembly and increased taxation on extreme wealth, later claimed responsibility for the action. In a statement released after the incident, the group made a pun about their members being taken into “custard-y”—a play on the British term “custody.”
This incident represents the latest in a growing trend of activists targeting cultural institutions and historic artifacts to amplify their political messages. Museums and galleries worldwide have been forced to reassess security protocols in response to similar demonstrations.
Last year, members of climate activist groups made headlines when protesters threw tomato soup at the protective glass covering Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” at London’s National Gallery. Those individuals received prison sentences for their actions. Other incidents have involved activists gluing themselves to famous artworks or frames in museums across Europe.
Critics of these tactics argue they risk damaging irreplaceable cultural treasures and alienate potential supporters. Defenders maintain that such high-profile actions are necessary to draw attention to urgent social and environmental concerns in a media landscape where traditional protests receive diminishing coverage.
The Tower of London, which houses the Crown Jewels, carries particular symbolic weight as a target. The historic fortress has served various functions throughout British history—as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. Notable figures including Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More were executed there, making it a potent symbol of state power and authority.
The Imperial State Crown itself represents the monarchy’s ceremonial role in Britain’s constitutional system. Unlike the St. Edward’s Crown used during the actual crowning ceremony, the Imperial State Crown is worn by monarchs at state occasions and symbolizes the sovereign’s role in government.
Museum officials indicated the Crown Jewels exhibition would reopen to visitors once cleaning of the display case was completed. Security procedures at the Tower of London are being reviewed following the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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8 Comments
Vandalizing cultural heritage for political grandstanding is a concerning trend. While the Crown Jewels were undamaged, this incident highlights the need to balance freedom of expression with preserving important historical artifacts.
I agree. The Crown Jewels are a symbol of British history and tradition – they should be protected, not used as a canvas for protest.
Custard and crumble on the Crown Jewels case? That’s a rather unappetizing way to draw attention to a cause. I hope the protesters are held accountable for the damage, even if minimal.
Symbolic gestures can backfire when they involve defacing national treasures. The authorities were right to arrest the protesters to prevent further escalation.
Targeting the Crown Jewels with dessert toppings is a rather bizarre form of protest. While the activists may have a valid cause, this stunt comes across as more juvenile than impactful.
The Crown Jewels are a source of pride for many Britons. Defacing their display, even with harmless desserts, is an affront to the nation’s cultural heritage. I hope the protesters face appropriate consequences.
Agreed. Damaging or desecrating national symbols, even symbolically, crosses a line. The authorities should take this incident seriously to deter future such acts.
While I respect the right to protest, targeting the Crown Jewels seems like an inappropriate and disrespectful way to make a statement. There are better avenues to raise awareness about important issues.