Why are people protesting the monarchy and Coronation ceremony? Arrests made on procession route
Police have taken several anti-monarchy protesters into custody shortly before the coronation ceremony for King Charles III including the group’s leader.
The leader of the anti-monarchy group Republic was arrested shortly before the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday along with a handful of other protesters. They had been a part of a few hundred who lined the procession route the King was set to use on his way to and from Westminster Abbey where the royal coronation ceremony was held.
Republic says that police also seized hundreds of their placards which read “Not My King” on them. Members of the anti-monarchist group wore yellow shirts emblazoned with the saying and booed the monarch and sung songs such as “he is just a normal man.” London Police had warned prior to Saturday that they would take action if protesters attempted to “obstruct the enjoyment and celebration” of the King’s Coronation.
Which protesters did London police arrest along the King’s procession route?
London police have not confirmed the names of who they arrested, only that seven people had been taken into custody. Four people were arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and three people on suspicion of possessing articles to cause criminal damage. Among those who have been pictured detained are Graham Smith, the leader of Republic, and Matt Turnbull, the anti-monarchist’s campaign strategist.
“It is disgusting and massively over the top. It is also hugely counterproductive by the police because all it has done is create a massive amount of publicity for us. It is completely crazy,” said Kevin John who was among the protesters.
London was not the only site of protests against the monarchy, others took place in Glasgow in Scotland and Cardiff in Wales.
Why are people protesting the monarchy and Coronation ceremony?
Republic was founded in 1983 and seeks to abolish the British monarchy, replacing the monarch with an elected head of state. That person would be chosen by the people not to run the government but represent the United Kingdom independent of politicians.
“Hereditary public office goes against every democratic principle,” the group states. “And because we can’t hold the King and his family to account at the ballot box, there’s nothing to stop them abusing their privilege, misusing their influence or simply wasting our money.”
The group often demonstrates at royal events such as the Diamond Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. However, the group did not hold any protests while the nation was mourning her death last year.