The U.K.’s Security Minister has confirmed anti-monarchy groups will be allowed to protest at the King’s coronation
The coronation of King Charles is just hours away now.
Among the fanfare and celebration, Britain is on high alert.
The U.K.’s Security Minister has confirmed anti-monarchy groups will be allowed to protest at the King’s coronation.
This follows news one group planning a demonstration on the Coronation route was warned of new laws banning “serious disruption”.
The group, called Republic, accused the Home Office of sending an intimidating message.
The security operation will be one of the largest in the history of the Metropolitan Police, with protests and any threats to crowds closely monitored.
The Met’s authority is granted under the Public Order Act, which came into effect on Wednesday.
Just days before this, the Home Office wrote two letters to Republic to list how it had tightened laws on the right to protest.
Republic’s chief Graham Smith says the letter was out of line.
Opinion polls do show support for the monarchy has weakened in recent years.
The coronation comes at a time when Britain is gripped by double-digit inflation, and some residents are questioning the expense of the event.
There’s also the controversy surrounding Prince Harry and Prince Andrew which doesn’t help the monarchy’s cause.
Regardless, the findings from a large survey found well over half of the U.K. would still vote for a constitutional monarchy, with less than a quarter against.
When given five identities to choose from, 39 per cent described themselves as ‘committed’ or ‘mainstream monarchists’ – with 37 per cent identifying as ‘modern republicans’ or in favour of abolishment.
Others chose the ‘neutral’ category, saying that while the monarchy needs to be scaled back, any alternative to it might end up being worse.
King Charles isn’t the most popular royal, either.
He has a positive approval rating of just 54 per cent, well below that of his late mother, on 76 per cent, William, on 64 per cent.
Prince William was out wooing crowds with wife, Kate, in Soho.
But regardless of what you think about the monarchy – the coronation is sure to a be a spectacle and millions will be tuning right around the world to watch.
