A 22-year-old woman who was arrested after holding up an anti-monarchy placard in Edinburgh yesterday has now been charged ‘in connection with a breach of the peace’.
The sign, which read ‘F*** Imperialism, Abolish Monarchy’, could be seen amongst the crowd of royal fans who had turned out to hear the Lord Lyon King of Arms, who is responsible for overseeing state ceremonial in Scotland, formally proclaim Charles King.
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.
‘She was charged and was released on an undertaking to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.’
This morning, outside the Palace of Westminster, another protester showed her opposition towards the new monarch when she held up a poster which read ‘Abolish the Monarchy’ and ‘Not my King’.
A woman who held up a ‘F*** imperialism’ placard in Edinburgh yesterday has been charged ‘in connection with a breach of the peace’
Outside the Palace of Westminster this morning another protester showed her opposition towards the new monarch when she held up a poster which read ‘Abolish the Monarchy’ on one side and ‘Not my King’ on the other
The woman was led by Met Police officers away from the gates of Parliament, where King Charles and the Queen Consort this morning received condolences from members of the House of Commons and House of Lords.
She wore a t-shirt emblazoned with the logo for the Campaign To Abolish The Monarchy, which yesterday called on people to protest the new King at Parliament Square this morning.
In Edinburgh, Scottish campaign group Our Republic had also encouraged those with objections to the proclamation to ‘make those clear’.
John Hall, 33, who is the treasurer of the anti-monarchy campaign group told NBC News: ‘We wanted to make it clear that there’s more than one viewpoint in Scotland.
‘I wanted to make sure that I made it clear I didn’t consent to this pageantry.’
Spectators remained silent for the main declaration but as the Lord Lyon King of Arms Joseph Morrow ended his proclamation by saying ‘God Save the King’ there were audible boos.
Crowds had gathered in Edinburgh today to hear the Lord Lyon King of Arms formally announced the Queen’s successor King Charles III
They were soon drowned out by chants of ‘God Save the King’, before trumpets started playing the national anthem.
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.
Hundreds of royal fans who had turned out to watch the ceremony in Edinburgh around the Mercat Cross today
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
Meanwhile, another anti-monarchy protester says he was arrested in Oxford after voicing his opposition to the new King Charles III.
Writing about the incident yesterday, Symon Hill said that he shouted ‘Who elected him?’ and was led away, handcuffed and put in the back of a police van before being de-arrested.
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: ‘A 45-year-old man was arrested in connection with a disturbance that was caused during the county proclamation ceremony of King Charles III in Oxford.
‘He has subsequently been de-arrested and is engaging with us voluntarily as we investigate a public order offence.
‘The man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence (Section 5 Public Order Act).’