Anti-monarchists unfurling giant yellow ‘Not My King’ flags have joined the thousands of royal superfans and well-wishers on the Mall for King Charles III’s coronation.
“Not My King” protesters could be heard shouting anti-monarchy slogans as they joined the thousands of people who had gathered on the Coronation Route in central London this morning.
Up to 2,000 people are expected to attend the peaceful “Not My King” protests in Trafalgar Square and along the route of the coronation procession today.
It comes amid fears that eco-zealots are planning a graffiti attack on a memorial in The Mall during King Charles’ coronation, as police vow tough action against such tactics.
While Just Stop Oil has not announced any planned protests over the king’s coronation, it did not rule out the possibility, saying yesterday it could “neither confirm nor deny” that it would take action.
A “ring of steel” has been erected around the capital, with 11,500 police officers on duty and a further 10,000 military personnel taking part in what is expected to be the largest security operation in British history.
Anti-monarchists hoist huge yellow flags on the Mall on the day of King Charles’ coronation
A protester waves a ‘Not My King’ flag in Trafalgar Square, central London on Saturday
A record 11,500 police officers – a large number of them armed – will guard London this weekend in what is expected to be the largest security operation in British history
On the Mall, Republican protesters were seen crammed into a corner of Trafalgar Square as a spokesman for the group, who declined to give only his first name, Luke, said: “We are here to stand by your opposition to the monarchy.
“We don’t want them and we don’t need them and they don’t represent the entire population. We should have an elected head of state.
“It’s not a good system with good values that we have at the moment.”
He said his organization chose the coronation because it is an important event that will draw attention around the world and help spread its message.
Republicans who have gathered in Trafalgar Square for a Not My King protest are currently outnumbered by royal fans.
One royal fan, Chris Riley, 55, a contracts manager from Nottingham, told Web: ‘I love the king. I hope it’s the most glorious day for him and the country. “I’m a bit disappointed that there are people here with anti-monarchy banners, which is a bit distasteful.”
Tim Constantinou, 54, from Stoke on Trent and a former Army Corporal, said: “This is a momentous occasion that I had to be a part of.
“I’ve always been impressed by Charles and met him in 1991 when I came back from the Gulf War.
“We had lost a few people from our regiment and he knew their names and was very knowledgeable about the regiment. He has time for people and genuine interest. “I think he will be a wonderful king and unite the country for many, many years.”
Susan Williams, 19, from Castle Bromwich said: “I think the King is great. But I’m more in love with William and Harry and Kate is just amazing with her style.
“I hope Charles has a very long time as king but I think William will be really cool when he takes over.”
Metropolitan Police gunmen take position ahead of the coronation
Huge crowds have already gathered in central London ahead of the King’s coronation
Earlier this week, the Republic said “it will not be deterred” after receiving a “passive-aggressive” letter from the Home Office warning it of plans to protest the king’s coronation.
The group has criticized the Home Office for the official warning letter, which they “interpreted as passive/aggressive intimidation of a legitimate protest group”.
The letter, sent by the Home Office’s Police Powers Unit, details new offenses under the Public Order Bill, which received royal assent from the monarch yesterday.
Under the new legislation, protesters who block vital infrastructure such as roads, airports and railways can face 12 months in prison.
Anyone caught sticking or gluing themselves to buildings or objects faces six months in prison and an unlimited fine.
A police officer guards thousands of people along the procession route ahead of the king’s coronation
A protester wearing a beanie hat that reads “Not My King”.
A protester waves a ‘Not My King’ placard as thousands gather in central London for the coronation
Police can also stop and search anyone they suspect planning to cause disruption under measures that came into effect today – ahead of the May 6 coronation.
The Home Office has contacted a number of protest groups to update them on new crimes that could affect them.
But Graham Smith, Republic chief executive, said his campaign surrounding the coronation will go ahead as planned.
Mr Smith said it was “very strange” that the letter was from the Home Office and described it as “intimidating”.
Police are seen speaking to Just Stop Oil protesters on May 3, days before the coronation of King Charles
He said: “We had two meetings with Met police and numerous phone calls.
“They have said repeatedly that they have no concerns about the Republic’s plans. It is a mystery why the Home Office felt it necessary to send us an anonymous letter that could be construed as intimidation.”
“The Republic will not be deterred and we will be protesting in Trafalgar Square and along the route of the coronation procession on Saturday.
“It is significant that Charles, who has had no problem speaking out on various issues, has chosen not to defend democratic rights when they are threatened on his behalf. Maybe he could make it clear that he believes in the right to protest.’
As a huge security operation began, protesters attempting to disrupt the coronation were warned that they could be shot by police if they ran toward a carriage, just in case they were carrying a bomb.
HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer, will stand guard on the Thames to protect the King
Former Royal Protection Officer Simon Morgan, now operations manager at security firm Trojan Consultancy, said: “It’s an armed police operation because of the threat that the UK is facing, the threat that is facing the Royal Family, the dignitaries involved. So we have to be very careful.
“Someone running in front of the wagons and fumbling with something in their backpack will say that’s not an IED, it’s a banner that just unfurls.
“These protesters need to be very careful about the environment they enter, and the police are very aware of that.”
Facial recognition technology is also used to report people on watch lists or pending arrest warrants to the police.
While HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer capable of tracking drones from a distance of 250 miles, will also keep watch on the Thames on the King’s Coronation weekend.