A few of protesters in Edinburgh today responded to a call for “God Save the King” with boos, but the heckling was quickly drowned out by joyful applause as Charles was crowned king.
People had come in the capital city to hear the Lord Lyon King of Arms, who is in charge of directing Scotland’s official ceremonies, make the Queen’s succession official.
In towns and cities around the UK and the Commonwealth, similar announcements of the new king were made at the same time.
But among the hundreds of royal enthusiasts who had gathered to see the event in Edinburgh, a tiny minority used the occasion to express their opposition to the new king or queen.
The major pronouncement was delivered in silence, however there were audible booing as Lord Lyon King of Arms Joseph Morrow concluded by proclaiming, “God Save the King.”
Soon, cries of “God Save the King” drowned them out, and then the national song was played on trumpets.
Crowds had gathered in Edinburgh today to hear the Lord Lyon King of Arms formally announced the Queen’s successor King Charles III
One anti-monarchist protestor, holding a sign that said ‘f*** imperialism, abolish the monarchy’ was arrested outside St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh in connection with a ‘breach of peace’, Police Scotland said
Hundreds of royal fans who had turned out to watch the ceremony in Edinburgh around the Mercat Cross today
Another loud boo could be heard after the anthem as the Lord led three cheers of ‘hip, hip hooray’, sparking outrage amongst others in the crowd, with someone shouting back ‘Oh shut up’.
One onlooker told Edinburgh Live: ‘I was absolutely disgusted by the behaviour of some people in the crowd.
‘It was meant to be a joyful occasion to mark the new King but there was petty people booing.
‘It just looked like attention seeking.’
People could also be heard calling for a republic and a few individuals held up signs critical of the monarchy.
Amongst the hundreds of royal fans who had turned out to watch the ceremony in Edinburgh, a small number took the opportunity to make clear their disapproval of the new monarch
One anti-monarchy protester, holding a sign reading, ‘F*** imperialism, abolish the monarchy’ was arrested.
As police took her away the crowd applauded, with one person shouting ‘have some respect’ at the republican.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: ‘A 22-year-old woman was arrested outside St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh on Sunday, 11 September, 2022 in connection with a breach of the peace.’
The Scottish Community & Activist Legal Project later accused the police of being ‘heavy-handed’.