Tower of London Closes After Four Protesters Were Arrested over an Attack on the Crown Jewels

A quiet Saturday morning at the Tower of London was broken by a splatter of yellow across reinforced glass. For a moment, visitors stared. And the jewels? Smeared with a pudding mix, hardly the treatment meant for a national treasure.

Four people were arrested on the morning of Saturday, 6 December, after the display case housing the Imperial State Crown was hit with apple crumble and bright custard.

Footage shared online showed the protesters approaching the display, one lifting a foil tray from a bag and striking it against the glass. Another poured the yellow topping over the front of the case.

In the video, one of the protestors could be heard saying, "Britain is broken. We've come here to the jewels of the nation to take back power."

Historic Royal Palaces said staff reacted quickly, temporarily closing the Jewel House as officers moved in and apprehended the protestors while tourists were swept to safety.

The group responsible for the incident, Take Back Power, later said it carried out the stunt to demand a permanent “House of the People” with the power to tax extreme wealth. The group describes itself as a new non-violent civil resistance movement.

Inside the Jewel House

Tourists looked on in confusion, unsure at first whether it was a stunt or something more serious. Some stepped back, and others reached for their phones, though most simply stared at the scene that unfolded in seconds.

Historic Royal Palaces confirmed that despite the mess, the Imperial State Crown remained fully protected. No item in the collection was damaged.

Arrests, Bail and Official Response

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the four were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. They were later released on conditional bail as inquiries continue.

Policing minister Sarah Jones took to X to criticise the act. She said that while peaceful protest is an essential part of a democratic society, actions that cause damage or serious disruption fall outside what she considers acceptable. She thanked the police for their swift response to what she called a “disgraceful” incident.

This was the second incident linked to Take Back Power in a matter of days. Earlier in the week, three supporters emptied bags of manure beneath the Ritz hotel’s 25-foot Christmas tree. The group has been described by Just Stop Oil, a UK-based climate activist group, as a “new project,” following the larger movement’s shift away from direct action earlier this year.

Now, the incident has drawn focus to the item at the centre of it.

Why This Crown Matters

The Imperial State Crown is one of the most recognised symbols of the monarchy. Made in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI, it holds 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies, and 269 pearls.

King Charles III wore it as he left Westminster Abbey after his coronation in 2023, and it appears at major state ceremonies such as the State Opening of Parliament. When not in use, it rests under constant guard at the Tower.

On social media, readers questioned how the protesters managed to carry food into such a secure space, "And they managed to walk into the Crown Jewels area with all that, AI."

Others focused on the practicalities, wondering how the items passed through checks in the first place, "How did they sneak in with that? Oh thats just my apple pie and custard dont worry about that."

Some were simply stunned that the display case could be reached at all, "Can’t believe they managed to get these items into the display."

Despite the unrest, the Tower of London is operating as normal. The Jewel House reopened early that afternoon after police finished their checks.

Police say the investigation is continuing, with further statements expected once officers complete their review of footage and witness accounts.