Crown Jewels protest at Tower of London: four arrested
Custard and apple crumble were thrown at the display case holding the Imperial State Crown at the Tower of London shortly before 10:00 GMT on Saturday 6 December. Police arrested four people on suspicion of criminal damage and the Jewel House closed briefly while officers investigated. Historic Royal Palaces said the Crown Jewels were not harmed and the gallery reopened later the same day. The action was claimed by a new civil‑resistance group, Take Back Power.
If you’ve seen the clip online, you’ll recognise the sequence: one person presses a foil tray of crumble against the glass while another pours bright yellow custard, and a shout of “Democracy has crumbled” rings out. The Metropolitan Police said they were called at 09:48; by around 10:30 four people were in custody as surprised visitors looked on and staff radioed for help.
What were they asking for? Take Back Power says it wants a permanent citizens’ assembly - a “House of the People” - with the power to tax extreme wealth and, in their words, “fix Britain”. The group posted footage and a statement about the Tower protest on its channels soon after the arrests.
If you’re new to the idea, a citizens’ assembly brings together a representative group of people, chosen by lottery like an extended form of jury service, to learn about an issue, hear from a range of voices and agree recommendations. Parliament has used this approach before - for example, Climate Assembly UK in 2020 explored routes to net zero and published a final report with proposals for MPs to consider.
Could an assembly actually set taxes? In the UK, assemblies are advisory unless Parliament gives them formal powers. Money bills - laws that raise or spend public funds - start in the Commons, the Lords can’t amend them, and most other bills can only be delayed by the Lords. Handing a citizens’ assembly tax‑setting authority would therefore require new legislation and a significant political choice.
Where does protest end and an offence begin? Your rights to speak and assemble are protected by the Human Rights Act, but they can be limited. The Public Order Act 2023 created new protest‑related offences and wider police powers; part of a later attempt to lower the threshold for “serious disruption” was struck down by the High Court in 2024. That wider legal backdrop helps explain why policing of protests feels different today from a few years ago.
Criminal damage is separate from protest law. Under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, it’s an offence in England and Wales to destroy or damage property without lawful excuse. That’s why police statements often refer to arrests “on suspicion of criminal damage” even when the object itself - here, the Crown - sits behind reinforced glass.
If you’re teaching this, the symbolism matters. The Imperial State Crown is used when the monarch leaves a coronation and at State Opening; otherwise it’s kept in the Tower. Historic Royal Palaces lists 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies and 269 pearls in the 1937 crown, which weighs over a kilogram - one reason it lives behind a protective case.
This wasn’t the group’s first action this week. On Wednesday 3 December, three supporters dumped bags of manure under the Ritz hotel’s 25ft Christmas tree before being removed by staff. Police said they were investigating; at that point, no arrests were reported.
You may also see Take Back Power mentioned alongside Just Stop Oil. In March 2025, Just Stop Oil said it would end disruptive direct action after a final rally in April, citing a government pledge to stop new oil and gas licences; activists from those networks have since discussed fresh organising under new banners.
What this means for you: in a healthy democracy we hold two ideas at once - protest is vital, and damage to property can bring criminal consequences. If you plan to protest, read up on your rights, check any conditions police set, and understand the risks around arrest and bail before you go.
A final media‑literacy check. The most dramatic moments tend to trend first, so it’s worth confirming the basics: four arrests on suspicion of criminal damage; the Imperial State Crown itself was unharmed; and the Jewel House reopened the same day. Those are the verified facts you can build discussion around in class or at home.