British police arrested Graham Smith, leader of anti-monarchy group Republic, and a number of other individuals as part of what they called “a significant police operation” ahead of King Charles’ coronation on Saturday.
Tens of thousands of people have gathered to cheer the royal procession and military parade for King Charles’ coronation at London’s Westminster Abbey on Saturday, the biggest ceremonial event staged in the British capital for 70 years.
London police chief Mark Rowley had warned on Friday that there would be a “very low tolerance for disruption”. There are more than 11,000 police officers on patrol in central London.
Police did not confirm the arrest of Smith, but said on Twitter they had arrested four people on suspicion of causing a public nuisance, and three people on suspicion of possessing articles to cause criminal damage.
Republic said five of its supporters had been arrested and hundreds of its placards seized.
