Crown Jewels Targeted in Custard and Crumble Protest, Four Arrested at Tower of London

Four individuals have been taken into custody following an incident at the Tower of London where custard and apple crumble were reportedly thrown at a display case housing a portion of the Crown Jewels. The Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were called to the scene shortly before 10:00 GMT on Saturday after the case containing the Imperial State Crown was defaced.

Authorities stated that the four individuals were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. The Jewel House, which contains the historic regalia, was temporarily closed to the public as police conducted their investigation.

A group identifying itself as “Take Back Power,” a new non-violent civil-resistance organization, has claimed responsibility for the act. The group announced the protest was carried out to press the UK government to establish a permanent citizen’s assembly, which they refer to as a “House of the People.” This proposed assembly would be empowered to “tax extreme wealth and fix Britain,” according to the organization.

Footage shared by the group on social media depicted one protester removing a large foil tray of crumble from a bag before pressing it against the protective glass of the Imperial State Crown. Another individual then poured a container of bright yellow custard onto the front of the display case. “Democracy has crumbled,” one protester exclaimed, while another added, “Britain is broken. We’ve come here to the jewels of the nation to take back power.” Millenium TV noted the visible surprise among tourists witnessing the event, as a Tower of London staff member was observed communicating via radio.

The Jewel House subsequently reopened to visitors early Saturday afternoon. This marks the second demonstration attributed to the group in recent days; on Wednesday, three protesters emptied bags of manure onto the lobby floor of The Ritz hotel, beneath its Christmas tree.

The Imperial State Crown holds significant symbolic value for the monarchy, having been worn by King Charles III upon his departure from Westminster Abbey on his coronation day in 2023. Beyond coronations, this priceless working crown is reserved for formal occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament. When not in ceremonial use, it is housed within the Jewel House at the Tower of London. Originally crafted in 1937 for the coronation of George VI, the crown is adorned with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies, and 269 pearls, and weighs over a kilogram.