Hundreds of anti-monarchy demonstrators gathered in central London on Saturday as members of the campaign group Republic marched from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace calling for the abolition of the British monarchy.
Protesters carried placards and wore clothing displaying slogans such as “Not My King” and “Abolish the Monarchy” as they made their way towards the royal residence.
The demonstration began at Trafalgar Square before crowds headed to Buckingham Palace, where campaigners aimed to publicly voice their opposition to the monarchy and the continuation of royal rule in Britain.
Republic’s chief executive Graham Smith said the group has seen major growth since the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III.
“The death of the Queen and the Coronation completely changed everything for us,” Smith said. “We suddenly grew, we suddenly went from one member of staff to loads of staff.”
The 52-year-old campaigner also claimed public attitudes towards anti-monarchy demonstrations have shifted significantly in recent years.
“In 2022 we could not have even thought of doing something like this,” he said. “It wasn’t on the cards, we didn’t have the staff or the money.”
The protest marked one of the largest recent demonstrations organised by Republic, reflecting growing visibility for anti-monarchy activism in the UK.
