Anti-monarchy activists stage protest inside Buckingham Palace

LONDON: In a bold move on Saturday, a group of anti-monarchy campaigners staged what organizers are hailing as the “first-ever” protest within the confines of Buckingham Palace.

“Local activists from various regions of the UK, disguised as tourists, gained entry to the palace before congregating in the Grand Hall,” said Republic, Britain’s largest anti-monarchist organization, in an official statement.

Accompanied by a photograph, the group showcased protesters donning T-shirts emblazoned with the words “Not My King.”

“The protest represents the latest chapter in a series of actions aimed at advancing the discourse surrounding the monarchy’s future,” Republic stated.

Security personnel briefly detained six of the activists involved before escorting them out through the front gate. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the security incident, CNN said adding that it has reached out to London’s Metropolitan Police for their response.

Organizers characterized the demonstration as a “remarkable declaration of intent, with citizens voicing their opposition to hereditary power within the monarchy from the very heart of its residence.”

Graham Smith, the group’s Chief Executive, remarked in a statement that King Charles III is not an “untouchable monarch” and should not be “immune to criticism or shielded from public dissent, in contrast to the reverence afforded to the monarchy during his mother’s reign.”

Smith emphasized that Republic would continue its protests against the monarchy across the country, with the next demonstration slated for the state opening of parliament on November 7. The group had previously organized anti-monarchy protests surrounding King Charles’ coronation earlier this year.