Four Individuals Deny Crown Jewels Custard Damage at Tower of London, Court Hears £600 Bill

Fatima Ali, 19, Miriam Cranch, 22, Mack Preston, 22, and Matthew Cooper, 50, appeared before Westminster magistrates, denying criminal damage linked to the 6 December incident. They claim a lawful excuse, asserting the action was a peaceful protest and the damage was minor. The accused also disputed the time required for site clean-up and the museum's loss of earnings, stating they did not intend to be reckless.

Ali and Cranch additionally pleaded not guilty to a second count of criminal damage concerning a person's shoes and cape worn in the room on the same day.

The four individuals have been released on bail and are scheduled to appear at City of London Magistrates' Court on 31 November and 2 December.

Footage of the incident was disseminated online by the group Take Back Power, which subsequently claimed responsibility. This organisation reportedly operates as an offshoot of Just Stop Oil, a group advocating for a "House of the People with powers to tax the rich and fix Britain."

Historic Royal Palaces confirmed the Imperial State Crown itself sustained no damage. The Jewel House exhibition, though temporarily closed, reopened to the public later that afternoon.

The Crown, a prominent symbol of the monarchy, was worn by King Charles III following his 2023 coronation. Beyond coronations, this priceless working crown is reserved for formal occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament, and is otherwise housed within the Jewel House at the Tower of London.