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Members of a U.K. activist group advocating higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy threw custard at the glass case protecting the royal crown at the Tower of London on Saturday, prompting a temporary closure of the historic site.
The group, Take Back Power, entered the hall where the crown and royal jewels are exhibited and threw apple crumble and custard at the glass enclosure.
Security teams intervened quickly, and officials confirmed that the crown itself was not damaged.
The activists unfurled a banner reading, “Democracy is breaking down; tax the rich.”
Take Back Power argues for increased taxation on the wealthiest individuals and the creation of a public assembly called the “People’s Chamber.”
The group said that since 2011, the lowest-earning 10% have paid 44% of their income in taxes, while the wealthiest pay around 22%, accusing politicians of serving the interests of the super-rich.
One activist, Miriam Cranch, said low taxes for the ultra-wealthy fuel social injustice.
Another, Zahra Ali, criticized the government for ignoring social problems, noting that the number of empty homes in the country exceeds the number of homeless people.
The protesters said they would continue nonviolent demonstrations until the government takes concrete action.
The Metropolitan Police reported that four activists were taken into custody following the incident.
The Tower of London’s jewel exhibition area was temporarily closed to visitors after the protest.
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