LONDON, June 2 (Reuters) – Climate change protesters sparked a military parade in London ahead of Queen Elizabeth’s platinum anniversary celebrations on Thursday, leaking to marching troops before they were arrested.
Activists ran behind the barriers where tens of thousands of people had gathered at The Mall, the grand boulevard leading to Buckingham Palace, and lay in front of a marching band, television footage showed.
One of the men appeared to be holding a banner before police abducted protesters. One of the protesters wore a gold crown on his head.
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“Today we made 12 arrests for obstructing the highway. This is after an incident this morning in which people tried to enter the ceremonial route of The Mall, “police said on Twitter.
“I thank the crowd for their support, such as the applause of our officers, who returned to their posts after dealing with the incident quickly.
The Animal Rebellion group, which claims to use “non-violent civil disobedience to help transition to a plant-based food system,” said its activists were involved.
One of the protesters, who was filmed being detained by police, said he wanted royalty to redecorate the crown mansion and stop using it to raise animals. He did not give his name.
The Trooping the Color military parade, held annually to celebrate the Queen’s official birthday, includes about 1,500 soldiers and officers. This year’s parade kicked off four days of processions and parties to mark the Queen’s 70s.
Elizabeth herself participated in a horse parade until 1986. In 1981, a man shot her with six blank shots as she passed, but the queen managed to control her startled horse. She was unharmed and the man was arrested.
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Report by Michael Holden Edited by Guy Falconbridge, Kate Holton and Francis Carey
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