On 6 December 2025, the Tower of London temporarily closed its famed Jewel House after four individuals — members of the protest group Take Back Power — hurled apple crumble and custard at the glass case housing the Imperial State Crown, part of Britain’s Crown Jewels. The group claims the dramatic act was meant to spotlight rising inequality and to demand the creation of a permanent citizens’ assembly to tax extreme wealth. 

 

Footage of the incident shows one protester thrusting a foil tray of crumble against the protective glass, while another drenched the front with yellow custard. Afterwards they revealed T-shirts with “Take Back Power,” and shouted slogans like “Democracy has crumbled.” 

 

The stunt triggered an immediate police and security response. The display was briefly closed for investigation, and all four participants were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. Authorities confirmed that while the display cabinet was defaced, the Crown Jewels themselves remained intact. 

 

By Saturday afternoon, the Jewel House had reopened to visitors. The protest — one of several recent actions targeting famous cultural treasures — has drawn attention both to wealth inequality and to how Britain protects its heritage. 

 

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

Four activists from Take Back Power were arrested after throwing apple crumble and custard at the Crown Jewels display, demanding wealth-tax reforms and a citizens’ assembly.

 

The incident forced a temporary closure of the Tower’s Jewel House, but the Imperial State Crown and other jewels were confirmed undamaged.

 

The stunt underscores growing protest tactics linking iconic national symbols with social and economic inequality.

 

Adapted From 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/dec/06/tower-of-london-closes-apple-crumble-thrown-on-crown-jewels-display-case

What a waste of apple crumble and custard.

 

Permanent citizens assembly to tax wealth? What's the matter comrades?  Your dole payments not enough for you?

Okay, I agree that democracy has crumbled. But somehow I think their version of a free democratic society is somewhat different to mine.

 

These muppets are probably the product of an Oxbridge education (it's in the accents), their parents Harley Street consultants, and their idea of democracy includes commissars and five-year plans. 

 

' Join us '  ? ,,,,,,,,,oh paleeease. 

 

Tax the rich  ?   That old chestnut.

 

Get off benefits and get a job.

She still won't sleep with him after this.

Custard? The law should not concern itself with trifles.  🙂 

Yet if you went to their house and did the same thing, they would be the first to call the and have you arrested.

 

If they want to change things, it is easy.

 

All they have to do is form a political party, stand at the next general election, win the majority of seats, form the government and run the country.

 

That of course assumes that enough people are willing to elect you.

 

There is actually a Republic UK political party, but all they have achieved is nothing. No MPs, not enough people can be bothered to vote for them but they do shout a lot.

On 12/7/2025 at 8:25 AM, Bacon1 said:

to demand the creation of a permanent citizens’ assembly to tax extreme wealth. 

rather like a parliament then?