Crown Jewels Targeted in Protest: What You need to Know
The Tower of London’s Jewel House, home to the iconic Crown Jewels, was the site of a protest Saturday morning, resulting in four arrests. A group calling themselves Take Back Power, linked to the climate activism movement Just Stop Oil, claimed responsibility for the incident. Here’s a breakdown of what happened, why, and what it means for this historic landmark.
What Happened?
Shortly before 10:00 GMT, police responded to reports of damage to the case protecting the Imperial State Crown. Protesters defaced the protective glass with crumble and custard, actions captured in footage shared on social media. Fortunately, Historic Royal Palaces confirmed the Imperial State Crown itself was not damaged.
The Jewel House was temporarily closed while police investigated,but reopened to the public early Saturday afternoon. This marks the second demonstration by Take Back Power in the past few days, following a similar protest at the ritz hotel earlier this week.
Who is Take Back Power?
take Back Power describes itself as a new, non-violent civil resistance group. They’ve emerged recently on social media channels previously used by Just Stop Oil activists, who have designated them a “new project.” While Just Stop Oil announced a pause in disruptive direct action in March, this new group appears to be continuing protest activities, albeit with a shifted focus.
Why Did They Do It?
The group’s stated aim isn’t focused on environmental issues directly, but on broader political reform.Take Back Power is demanding the UK government establish a permanent “House of the People” – a citizen’s assembly with the power to address economic inequality. Specifically, they want the assembly to have the authority to ”tax extreme wealth and fix Britain.”
During the protest, demonstrators were heard shouting slogans like “Democracy has crumbled” and “Britain is broken. we’ve come here to the jewels of the nation to take back power.”
The Imperial State Crown: A Symbol of the Monarchy
The Imperial State Crown is arguably the most recognizable symbol of the British monarchy. It’s a breathtaking piece, worn by King Charles III upon leaving Westminster Abbey after his coronation in May 2023.
Here are some key facts about this priceless artifact:
* Usage: Reserved for formal occasions, primarily the State Opening of Parliament and coronations.
* Creation: Originally made in 1937 for King George VI.
* Gemstones: Contains an astonishing 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies, and 269 pearls.
* Weight: Weighs over one kilogram (2.2 pounds).
When not in use, the crown is securely displayed within the Jewel House at the Tower of London, a heavily guarded and protected location.
Reaction and Implications
Policing minister Sarah Jones condemned the incident as “disgraceful,” emphasizing the distinction between legitimate protest and unacceptable behavior. The incident raises questions about security at the Tower of London and the evolving tactics of protest groups.
While the Crown Jewels themselves were unharmed, the protest serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which activists will go to draw attention to their causes.it also highlights the growing frustration with traditional political processes and a desire for more direct citizen involvement in decision-making.
Looking Ahead: You can expect increased security measures at the Tower of London and continued scrutiny of groups like Take Back Power. This incident is likely to fuel the debate surrounding the right to protest and the boundaries of acceptable activism in the UK.
Resources:
* https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68728999
* https://www.historic-royal-palaces.org.uk/
![Freebirthing: Risks, Safety & What to Consider | [Year] Guide](https://i0.wp.com/i.guim.co.uk/img/media/58e3809e948fe8b50a568bd606536877ea1e3bd2/715_0_7145_5715/master/7145.jpg?resize=150%2C100&ssl=1 "Freebirthing: Risks, Safety & What to Consider | [Year] Guide")
