Four individuals were arrested on Saturday after they threw food at a display case housing Britain's Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. The Metropolitan Police reported that the suspects, affiliated with a group called Take Back Power, allegedly smeared apple crumble and custard on the case containing the Imperial State Crown. This crown was worn by King Charles III during his coronation in 2023 and at the State Opening of Parliament in 2024.

The incident prompted a swift police response, with officers stating they were called to investigate reports of criminal damage. Two of the protesters threw the food, while two others were also arrested. The display case was temporarily closed to the public while authorities conducted their investigation.

Take Back Power, a civil disobedience group advocating for a permanent citizens' assembly and increased taxes on extreme wealth, claimed responsibility for the act. They posted a video of the incident on social media, showing a young woman placing a tray of crumble against the glass and a young man pouring custard on top. In the footage, the woman shouted, "Democracy has crumbled!" while the man added, "Britain is broken."

The Imperial State Crown, which features 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies, and 269 pearls, was crafted for the coronation of King Charles III's grandfather, George VI, in 1937. Despite the food being thrown, Historic Royal Palaces confirmed that the jewels remained unharmed.

The Tower of London, a historic site that has served as a royal palace and a prison, has seen similar protests in the past. Last year, activists were jailed for throwing tomato soup on a protective glass covering Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" at the National Gallery in London. The recent protest at the Tower of London drew gasps from onlookers as the demonstrators unfurled a sign reading, "Democracy has crumbled. Tax the rich," before being confronted by a staff member who called for assistance.