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Apple crumble, custard thrown at Crown Jewels in UK

Footage released by the protest group showed protesters throwing the dessert at the protective screen encasing the jewels (Photo: Take Back Power on X)
Footage released by the protest group showed protesters throwing the dessert at the protective screen encasing the jewels (Photo: Take Back Power on X)

In the UK, four protesters have been arrested after food was thrown at a display case containing the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.

Take Back Power, which describes itself as a new non-violent civil-resistance group, claimed it was behind the act.

It said custard and apple crumble was flung at the case, which contained the priceless Imperial State Crown.

The Metropolitan Police said: "Four protestors have been arrested following criminal damage at the Tower of London.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 17: The Imperial State Crown arrives at the Houses of Parliament, Victoria Tower – Sovereign's Entrance ahead of the State Opening of Parliament on July 17, 2024 in London, England. King Charles III delivers the King's Speech setting out the new Labour government's policies an
The Imperial State Crown is among Britain's Crown Jewels on display in the Tower of London (file image)

"Police were called at 09.48hrs on Saturday December 6 to the Tower of London following reports of criminal damage to a display case, containing the State Crown.

"It was reported that four protesters threw suspected food onto the case before two left the scene.

"Officers worked closely with City of London Police and security officers and four people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. They have taken into custody."


Watch: Protest group posts video showing dessert being thrown at Crown Jewels


The Tower of London has been closed to the public while the police investigation continues.

Take Back Power said it carried out the stunt to demand the UK government establishes a permanent citizen's assembly - a "House of the People" - with the power to "tax extreme wealth and fix Britain".

Footage shared by the group showed one demonstrator removing the large foil tray of crumble from a bag and then slamming it against the glass protecting the Imperial State Crown.

Two supporters of Take Back Power stand beside the Crown Jewels display covered in custard
Two supporters of the Take Back Power group pose in front of the Crown Jewels display which was covered in crumble and custard (Photo: Take Back Power)

Another repeatedly poured a tub of bright yellow custard on the front of the case.

The demonstrators then opened their coats to show their T-shirt slogans which read "Take Back Power" before one shouted "Democracy has crumbled" and another shouted "Britain is broken. We've come here to the jewels of the nation to take back power".

Surprised tourists could be seen reacting to the stunt, while a Tower of London worked approached saying: "Excuse me, excuse me", as she radioed for help.

The Metropolitan Police later said only the Jewel House at the Tower had been closed to the public while investigations continued.