A group protests at the Palace of Westminster by spreading food on the historic piece, without causing damage to the jewels, and demands political change.
A protest event at the Palace of Westminster in London temporarily disrupted the display of the Crown Jewels, one of the UK’s main tourist attractions. The Take Back the Power group poured apple crumble and custard over the display case protecting the crown used by King Charles III at his coronation in 2023 and at the opening of Parliament in 2024.
The piece, created in 1937 for King George VI, is enriched with an array of precious stones including diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies and pearls. Despite the act, the jewelry remained intact, without suffering damage, according to organizations responsible for the care of the heritage.
Four protesters were arrested by London police, two for throwing food and two for their active participation in the protest. The group demands the establishment of a permanent citizen assembly and the implementation of a tax on large fortunes, demands that reflect a growing trend in social movements aimed at deepening changes in economic and social policy at a global level.
These types of expressions, although controversial, usually seek to capture public attention and pressure authorities to address sensitive issues, such as inequality and citizen participation in government decisions. The relevance lies in how the actions of these movements challenge the protection of heritage in protest contexts, generating a balance between freedom of expression and cultural security.
