On the morning of December 6, 2025, the usually tranquil halls of the Tower of London were thrown into chaos when four protesters hurled apple crumble and custard at the glass display case housing the Imperial State Crown, one of the most treasured symbols of the British monarchy. The incident, which took place just before 10:00 GMT, led to the swift arrest of all four individuals on suspicion of criminal damage, and sparked a heated debate about the boundaries of protest, heritage protection, and the state of democracy in the UK.
The protest was orchestrated by Take Back Power, a newly formed non-violent civil resistance group that has quickly made headlines for its dramatic actions. According to BBC and other outlets, the group claimed responsibility shortly after the act, stating their demand for the UK government to establish a permanent citizen's assembly, or "House of the People," with the authority to "tax extreme wealth and fix Britain." In a statement shared online, Take Back Power declared, "Democracy has crumbled. Billionaires buy political influence whilst homeless people die on the streets. There are homeless people dying on our streets, this is the most dangerous time of the year for them, and we have the rich hoarding the wealth. This is disgusting."
Footage of the event, widely circulated on social media, shows one protester removing a large foil tray of apple crumble from a bag and slamming it against the glass protecting the Imperial State Crown. Another activist pours a tub of bright yellow custard onto the front of the case, as startled tourists look on. The protesters then held up a sign reading, "Democracy has crumbled - Tax the rich." One demonstrator could be heard shouting, "Britain is broken. We've come here to the jewels of the nation to take back power." Staff at the Tower attempted to intervene, but the act was over in moments, and police were on the scene within minutes.
The Metropolitan Police, working closely with City of London Police and security officers, arrested four people on suspicion of criminal damage. According to a statement from the police, "Officers worked closely with City of London Police and security officers and four people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. They have been taken into custody." The Tower's Jewel House, where the Imperial State Crown is displayed, was temporarily closed to the public while investigations and cleanup took place, though it reopened early in the afternoon.
Historic Royal Palaces, the charity responsible for the Tower of London, confirmed that the Imperial State Crown itself was not damaged in the incident. The display case, designed to be highly secure, withstood the attack, sparing the priceless crown from harm. The Imperial State Crown, originally made in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, containing 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies, and 269 pearls. Weighing over a kilogram, it is a central fixture in royal ceremonies, most recently worn by King Charles III during his 2023 coronation and used during the State Opening of Parliament.
Take Back Power has emerged rapidly on the activist scene, with its first Instagram post appearing just five days before the Tower protest. The group is described as an offshoot of Just Stop Oil, which itself has become known for headline-grabbing direct actions, such as throwing soup on Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers and climbing motorway gantries. However, Just Stop Oil announced it was ending its use of direct action in March 2025, and now refers to Take Back Power as a "new project." The December 6 incident marks the second major demonstration by Take Back Power in as many days; on December 3, three of its members emptied bags of manure onto the floor of the Ritz hotel lobby beneath its towering Christmas tree, further fueling debate over protest tactics and targets.
Policing minister Sarah Jones was quick to condemn the Tower of London incident, calling it "disgraceful" and drawing a clear line between lawful protest and criminal behavior. "There is a clear difference between the democratic right to protest and unacceptable behaviour," she said, echoing concerns raised by many officials and members of the public about the risks posed to national heritage by such acts. The Telegraph described the protest as an unprecedented incident at one of London's most visited sites and noted growing calls for a review of security protocols at the Tower and other cultural landmarks.
For Take Back Power, the protest was about more than spectacle. In their own words, they sought to highlight what they see as a crisis of democratic representation and extreme inequality in Britain. The group’s statement emphasized a desire for systemic change, calling for a permanent citizens' assembly with real legislative power—specifically the ability to tax extreme wealth and address pressing social issues such as homelessness. Their slogans, emblazoned on T-shirts and protest signs, included "Democracy has collapsed" and "Britain is broken; we are standing before the jewels of the nation to retake power."
While the protest drew attention to these issues, it also reignited debate over the limits of civil disobedience and the importance of protecting cultural treasures. The Imperial State Crown, beyond its monetary value, is a potent symbol of continuity, tradition, and national identity. It is part of the Crown Jewels, a priceless collection that draws millions of visitors to the Tower of London each year. The attack raised questions about the adequacy of current security measures and the challenges of balancing open public access with the need to protect irreplaceable artifacts.
In the immediate aftermath, British authorities announced that the display of the Crown Jewels would remain suspended until experts completed a thorough assessment and any necessary security enhancements were implemented. The Metropolitan Police stated that their investigation was ongoing and did not rule out further measures to strengthen the site’s defenses. The swift response by police and staff, and the resilience of the display case, prevented what could have been a far more damaging outcome.
The events at the Tower of London are the latest in a series of high-profile protests targeting cultural symbols and elite institutions in the UK. They reflect a broader trend among activist groups seeking to disrupt the status quo and force public debate on issues of wealth, power, and representation. As Britain grapples with these questions, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the tensions between protest, heritage, and the evolving landscape of political activism.
The Jewel House has since reopened to the public, and the Imperial State Crown remains unscathed—a testament to both the enduring allure of Britain’s royal treasures and the challenges of safeguarding them in turbulent times.
