“He is not my king”: the cries of rejection manifest themselves around the coronation of Carlos III

When passing the carriage in which Charles IIIaccompanied by Queen Camilla, was on his way to his coronation in London, Anna Edwards he did not wave a British flag fervently, but instead held aloft a banner that read: “Not My King”.

Live: The coronation of Carlos III in the United Kingdom culminated, the king returned to Buckingham Palace accompanied by Queen Camila

Like them, hundreds of Republican protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square early Saturday and erected huge yellow flags reading “Abolish the Monarchy” along the royal couple’s tour on this historic day.

“I stand for democracy and I think people should be able to choose whether they want a monarch as head of state or not”said Edwards, a 33-year-old Londoner.

“I’m not exactly anti-monarchist, but I’m pro-election”said to the AFP as hundreds of protesters arrived in a festive mood.

But one question was on everyone’s lips: Would the police, who had announced a very low level of “tolerance” to the protests, intervene to prevent the mobilization?

Soon the news everyone feared spread: Graham Smith, the leader of the Republican group that had organized the demonstration, had been arrested.

Police arrested “six of our organizers and confiscated hundreds of banners” with the slogan “He is not my king,” he confirmed to police. AFP minutes later a spokesman for the group.

Close friend of Harry and Meghan Markle goes from Carlos III’s coronation and focuses on his son Archie’s birthday, which is also today

“Free Graham Smith!”the protesters began to chant as they watched the crowd from a raised platform equipped with binoculars and cameras.

“This is exactly why we are here today, because the monarchy represents everything that is wrong with the UK: privilege, inequality and lack of democracy.”said to the AFP Martin Weighmanwearing a Republic cap.

arrests

“I Can’t Believe It; It’s Outrageous”said Eva, 19, watching footage of the arrests on her cell phone.

This math student explained that she had initially not planned to go to the demonstration, but changed her mind when the accelerated promulgation of a new law, criticized by the UN, was announced on Wednesday, giving police more powers to limit demonstrations .

“Everything is wrong with this law, so today I really don’t feel like celebrating anything”he added.

Republicans remain a minority in the UK, but have become more visible since the death of the popular Elizabeth II in September.

A handful of them appear almost regularly when Carlos III travels on official visits.

Alice Ridge, 65, wore a hat emblazoned with the British flag and went to cheer the king on but found herself in the middle of the protest.

“Don’t Spoil the Party”she said, visibly upset, before walking away.

Coexistence was cordial between the demonstrators and the rest of the crowd, until as the royal procession approached, supporters of the monarchy booed those who shouted, “He’s not my king!” and “Down with the crown!”. And they began to sing the national anthem, God protect the kingwhile waving British flags.

Jane, in her thirties, was amused by this confrontation. He was pleased that despite the rain so many protesters came out to criticize an “old-fashioned” monarchy..

“It is very nice to see that sober and thoughtful people are protesting against this farce”counted.

“Now there is a real voice for Republicanism” in the UK, added Anna, a 54-year-old woman who declined to give her last name.

He pointed to recent polls showing an increase in Republican sentiment, especially among young people. “The time has come,” he said.