Anti-monarchist protesters gathered in Scotland on Wednesday to boo, yell and chant “not my King” ahead of King Charles’ thanksgiving service in Edinburgh.
A service of dedication for King Charles and Queen Camilla, as a way to mark the coronation, took place at St Giles’ Cathedral, where Charles was presented with the country’s crown jewels.
Hundreds turned up Wednesday afternoon along the Royal Mile leading to the cathedral with yellow placards, loudly expressing their displeasure with the royal visitors.
Anti-monarchy protesters hold up placards near St Giles' Cathedral ahead of a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication on Wednesday to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The King is to receive the Honours of Scotland during the service.
Danny Lawson / Pool / Getty ImagesPolice Scotland confirmed that two women, aged 20 and 21, were arrested during the protest for allegedly trying to climb over a safety barrier on the Royal Mile.
Two women – aged 20 and 21 – have been arrested in connection with a breach of the peace after allegedly attempting to climb over a crowd safety barrier on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh.
Our priority is public safety, balanced against people’s rights #RoyalWeek pic.twitter.com/a3ZFXQURHM
— Police Scotland (@PoliceScotland) July 5, 2023
The protests took place during Scotland’s Royal Week, or “Holyrood Week,” which marks Charles’ first since becoming King. The occasion will be marked by several celebrations, including a 21-gun salute, a flypast and a procession through the streets of Edinburgh.
One of the groups involved in the demonstrations was Republic, a pressure group campaigning for the abolition of the monarchy.
We've made it clear – Charles is not our king. No number of Coronations are going to change that. Edinburgh – thank you. #NotMyKing #AbolishTheMonarchy pic.twitter.com/tqHY3df8ds
— Republic (@RepublicStaff) July 5, 2023
Republic tweeted Wednesday that its members would protest outside the police department until those arrested were released, and later confirmed that the anti-monarchists were let go from the station with police warnings.
The anti-monarchists arrested on the Royal Mile have been handed recorded police warnings and been released. They're thankful for the support given.
— Republic (@RepublicStaff) July 5, 2023
Protester Evie Smith, who lives on the Royal Mile, told SkyNews that while she’s in favour of the monarchy, she wants to see the British Royal Family put more money “back into the country.”
“Some people can’t even afford a Sunday dinner. Others like nurses are also looking for better pay,” she told the outlet.
“I would like to see give significantly more back, as well as all the billionaires.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales, known as the Duchess of Rothesay while in Scotland, Prince William, Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay while in Scotland, King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication for King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and the presentation of the Honours of Scotland, at St Giles' Cathedral on Wednesday.
Jane Barlow / Pool / Getty ImagesGrant McKenzie, a member of Republic, told Good Morning Scotland that protesters are upset with the amount of money being spent on pomp and pageantry.
“It’s being forced upon us. We’ve got an unprecedented cost of living crisis,” he said.
“I don’t think the public in the U.K. are particularly interested in their taxpayer money being put towards a parade up and down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. It’s tone-deaf.
“Of course, people are going to be able to enjoy it if that’s what they want to do. Protests by their very nature are disruptive. We will be making ourselves visible and heard.”
The co-leaders of the Scottish Green Party declined their invitations to the service, and Member of the Scottish Parliament, Patrick Harvie, said that the service is akin to a “Game Of Thrones-style cosplay exercise,” reports Yahoo U.K.
Speaking to a rally outside the Scottish Parliament organized by another group called One Republic, Harvie said, “It is fundamentally at odds with the kind of modern and democratic society we are trying to build here.”
He added afterwards: “I recognize there is going to be disruption when there is a major event on. But let’s think about how a modern, democratic head of state would go about their business in Scotland.
“It wouldn’t have this level of pomp and ceremony and rigmarole.”
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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