Four arrested after display case containing the Imperial State Crown is defaced with custard and crumble

Four individuals have been arrested after a shocking act of vandalism at the Tower of London, where protesters threw custard and apple crumble onto the display case housing the Imperial State Crown. The incident occurred shortly before 10:00 GMT on Saturday, prompting an immediate police response and the temporary closure of the Jewel House.

The incident and footage: “Democracy has crumbled!”

Video footage shared online by the group Take Back Power shows a protester pulling a large foil tray of apple crumble from a bag and slamming it against the reinforced glass protecting the Crown. Another demonstrator then pours a tub of bright yellow custard over the case, shouting:

“Democracy has crumbled!”

A second protester added:
“Britain is broken. We’ve come to the jewels of the nation to take back power.”

Tourists looked on in disbelief as Tower staff quickly radioed security, and the Met Police arrived moments later to detain the suspects.

Who is responsible? The “Take Back Power” movement

The protest was claimed by Take Back Power, a newly formed non-violent civil resistance group. In a statement, they said the action was meant to pressure the UK government into creating a permanent citizens’ assembly, referred to as the House of the People, empowered to tax extreme wealth and “fix a broken Britain”.

Their messaging focuses on economic reform, democratic restructuring, and a public call to redistribute political power away from what they describe as “elite interests”.

Police response and closures

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that four people had been taken into custody on suspicion of criminal damage. Investigators are reviewing footage, interviewing witnesses, and assessing whether security protocols need revision.

A police spokesperson stated:
“While the glass withstood the impact, the act constitutes significant criminal damage. The Jewel House will remain closed while checks are carried out to ensure the safety of the Crown Jewels.”

A pattern of provocative protests

This is the second high-profile demonstration by Take Back Power this week. On Wednesday, three protesters dumped bags of manure beneath the Ritz hotel’s 25-foot Christmas tree, calling the luxury hotel “a symbol of Britain’s inequality”.

Authorities believe the group aims to follow a strategy similar to climate protest organisations, using non-violent but highly disruptive symbolism to attract national attention.

The history and significance of the Crown

The Imperial State Crown is among the most legendary objects in the British monarchy’s regalia. It was worn by King Charles III after his coronation ceremony in 2023 and is used during major state events such as the State Opening of Parliament.

When not in ceremonial use, it is housed in the Jewel House, where millions of tourists view it each year.

Created in 1937 for the coronation of George VI, the Crown features:

• 2,868 diamonds

• 17 sapphires

• 11 emeralds

• 4 rubies

• 269 pearls
  and weighs more than one kilogram.

National debate: protest or vandalism?

The incident has sparked debate across political and public spheres. Supporters of civil resistance argue that peaceful property damage can be a justified tactic to expose governmental failures, while critics say the stunt was disrespectful to national heritage and alienates the general public.

Regardless of the differing opinions, the act has undeniably drawn attention to the group’s political message — though whether it will influence policymaking remains to be seen.