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Tensions flared in central London as republican activists, led by the anti-monarchy group Republic, staged a demonstration in Trafalgar Square, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of King Charles' coronation. The protest, which drew several hundred participants, saw organizers accuse the royal family of "hijacking" the 80th anniversary of VE Day celebrations.
Large yellow banners proclaiming "Abolish the monarchy" and "Change country for good" were displayed in front of the National Gallery, while protesters waved yellow flags bearing the slogan "Down with the crown." Adding a touch of theatricality, a 15ft dinosaur named "Chuck the Rex" was brought to the protest, symbolizing the monarchy as a "tamed fossil that belongs in a museum," according to organizers. Simultaneous republican demonstrations were also held in Edinburgh and Cardiff.
The timing of the protest followed a week of high-profile public engagements by King Charles and the royal family, commemorating the VE Day anniversary, which included a military procession and flypast over Buckingham Palace.
Graham Smith, Republic's chief executive, addressed the crowd, denouncing the monarchy as "a corrupt, disreputable and grubby institution." He advocated for a "parliamentary republic where citizenship really means something (and) where we are genuinely equal," and declared the movement's goal to abolish the monarchy "in the next few decades."
Responding to questions about the royal family's involvement in the VE Day commemorations, Mr. Smith stated, "The royals certainly hijacked those celebrations. They are not a celebration of the royals, but if you watched some of the coverage, it was." He argued that the war was a "collective effort" that should focus on the sacrifices made by ordinary people, rather than "gawping at princes on balconies."
Mr. Smith and other Republic members had previously been arrested during a pre-arranged protest at the King's coronation in May 2023, but were later informed that no further action would be taken. The group also staged a protest during the Commonwealth Day service in March, chanting "not my King, not my King." Mr. Smith affirmed that Republic would continue to protest at all major royal events, including the upcoming Trooping the Colour.
Former Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker, who also spoke at the rally, criticized the "huge handouts, the unique tax exemptions and all the tricks and ways that they used to inflate further their bulging bank accounts at our public expense." He urged both republicans and supporters of the monarchy to "say enough is enough and call time on this greedy family."
Source-PA Media
