Anti-Monarchy Protestors Confront Royals at Commonwealth Day Service
The royal family encountered a significant and vocal anti-monarchy demonstration as they arrived at Westminster Abbey for the annual Commonwealth Day Service on Monday. This event marked the largest royal gathering since the arrest of Prince Andrew in February over alleged misconduct in public office, following the release of the Epstein files.
Royal Attendance and Protest Details
King Charles and Queen Camilla were accompanied by Prince William, Princess Catherine, Princess Anne, and her husband Sir Tim Laurence for the service, which celebrates the Commonwealth. However, upon arrival, the royals were met by dozens of protestors carrying bright yellow placards and chanting through megaphones. The protestors' chants and boos were reported to have drowned out cheers from supporters.
Inside the police cordon, amidst flags representing the 56 Commonwealth nations, large banners with messages such as "Not my King", "Down with the crown", and "Abolish the monarch" were prominently displayed. One banner featured a recently released picture of Prince Andrew with the caption: "Charles, what did you know?"
Impact of Prince Andrew's Scandals
The ongoing scandals involving Prince Andrew continue to cause trouble for the royal family, with King Charles facing increased pressure to remove his brother from the line of succession. According to Europe correspondent Ben Downie, while Republican protesters are a regular presence at the Commonwealth Day event, this year's turnout was among the strongest. Downie noted that three Commonwealth nations—Australia, New Zealand, and Canada—support removing Andrew from the line of succession following his arrest.
Downie added that royal engagements have been criticized as archaic and out of touch in recent weeks. However, King Charles is reportedly using this opportunity, during a time of global instability, to emphasize virtues like endurance and unity found in these old institutions. The king is also discussing the line of succession with representatives from other Commonwealth nations, with full consensus required to remove Andrew and complete his fall from grace.
Latest Developments on Prince Andrew
Prince Andrew was detained on his 66th birthday and later released under investigation without charge. He has since returned to Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, a private Norfolk residence owned by King Charles III, where he has been living since being stripped of his titles and royal duties. Police have confirmed that the arrest made in February relates to alleged misconduct in public office, not sexual offences. Andrew has previously denied all wrongdoing and has not been charged.
As eighth in line to the throne, Andrew has lost his royal titles and could potentially face life imprisonment if charges proceed. King Charles has thrown his support behind the investigation into his brother, confirming in an official statement that he would fully support the police investigation. The statement read: "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair, and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation."
The statement continued: "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all."
