Overview
- Metropolitan Police were called to the Jewel House at about 09:48 GMT and later detained four suspects on suspicion of criminal damage, after two initially left the scene.
- Video posted by the Take Back Power group shows apple crumble and yellow custard smeared onto the glass casing of the Imperial State Crown as activists hold a "Democracy has crumbled — tax the rich" banner.
- Tower officials said the crown itself was not harmed, and the Crown Jewels area, closed for inquiries, reopened later on Saturday.
- The campaign describes itself as non-violent civil resistance and is calling for a permanent citizens' assembly with powers to tax extreme fortunes.
- Historic Royal Palaces emphasized the Crown Jewels' cultural and symbolic value, and the incident fits a broader pattern of high-profile, visually symbolic protests as inquiries continue.