Four people have been arrested after apple crumble and custard were thrown at a display case containing the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. The incident occurred on Tuesday, prompting a temporary closure of the Jewel House while police investigated.
The group Take Back Power, a civil resistance organization, claimed responsibility for the protest, stating it aimed to demand that the UK government tax the super rich. The group posted footage of the act on social media, showing two individuals smothering the case holding the Imperial State Crown with the dessert.
London police confirmed the arrests and said the suspects were taken into custody. The Jewel House was closed to the public as investigations continued. Historic Royal Palaces, which manages the Tower, confirmed that the Crown Jewels were not damaged.
The Imperial State Crown is worn by King Charles on official occasions, including the State Opening of Parliament and after his coronation in 2023. The Crown Jewels, comprising over 100 objects and 23,000 gemstones, are considered of incalculable cultural and historical value.
Take Back Power described the protest as a direct action to establish a permanent citizens' assembly with the power to tax extreme wealth. The incident is the latest in a series of demonstrations targeting cultural sites, following similar stunts at art galleries and Stonehenge.
