Custard and Crumble Thrown at Imperial State Crown: Four Arrested in Tower of London Shock
Four protesters were arrested after hurling crumble and custard at the Imperial State Crown display in the Tower of London, forcing a temporary shutdown and raising fresh questions over security and protest tactics.
Tourists froze inside the Tower of London this morning when a foil tray of apple crumble slammed into the glass shielding the Imperial State Crown. Seconds later, a streak of bright custard slid across the case — a jolt that pushed guards, visitors and police into motion.
Officers moved fast. Four people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, and the Jewel House was shut while investigators checked the integrity of the display. The crown — a working symbol of state loaded with diamonds, sapphires and history — remained untouched behind its reinforced barrier.
The group calling itself Take Back Power claimed responsibility. Its message blasted through the room: democracy has crumbled, Britain is broken, the jewels of the nation must serve as leverage for political demands. The activists want a permanent citizen’s assembly with powers to tax extreme wealth and overhaul national decision-making.
Inside the gallery, families stepped back. Some filmed, others just stared. Staff tried to keep crowds calm as police secured the space.
It was the second action linked to the same network in days. Earlier in the week, protesters dumped bags of manure inside the Ritz hotel beneath its towering Christmas tree — another attempt to punch directly into public attention.
Historic Royal Palaces confirmed the crown suffered no damage. Doors reopened by early afternoon, the case wiped clean, the shock still hanging in the room.
For the Metropolitan Police, the line is clear: protest is lawful, smashing into national symbols is not. The investigation continues, with security questions rising again around one of Britain’s most watched and most vulnerable heritage sites.
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