2023-04-23 11:34:54
Republic chief executive Graham Smith, leader of Britain’s largest anti-monarchy group, says more than 1,350 people pledged to demonstrate during the coronation parade of King Charles III in London on May 6.
“The Republic (movement), which openly calls for abolishing the monarchy and replacing it with an elected head of statewill organize for May 6 protests along The Mall (a street that connects Buckingham Palace with Trafalgar Square),” the group reported.
Smith affirmed that this concentration will mark “the largest protest action” in the group’s 40-year history. From 6am, Republic activists will wear yellow t-shirts and wave yellow banners to create an “unmissable sea of yellow” along the procession’s route in central London.
In addition, the protesters plan boo loudly and chant “not my King” when Carlos III passes in front of the activists. Most of the demonstration will take place in Trafalgar Square, but there will be smaller anti-monarchist groups along other parts of the route.
Smith, 48, said that the activists would try to arrive early in the morning to be as close as possible to the barriers. However, he stressed that they weren’t planning any Extinction Rebellion-style “stunts,” because it “doesn’t look good” and “doesn’t help the cause.”
“We want to make sure we have as many people as possible when Carlos III passes, which we assume It will be between 10.00 and 10.30 in the morning“This is about standing out, making a very bold statement that there is a republican movement and we are not a nation of monarchists. We have megaphones and an amplifier with a microphone. We should be unmissable,” Smith said.
Smith explained that his anti-monarchist group had enjoyed great support when Queen Elizabeth II died last September, revealing that the group received £70,000 in donations that month, ending 2022 with around £286,000 in donations. “It was due to the coverage of the succession and the funeral,” he stressed, adding that he planned to capitalize on an apparent anti-monarchy push.
“Year to date, we are looking to break those numbers and raise more”pointed out Smith, who has already informed the Metropolitan Police of his plans and was not concerned about possible arrests “because we have been very clear with the authorities about what our intentions are.”
On the other hand, the leader of the anti-monarchist group said that the movement had been recruiting and expanding its operation since September. Organized several “warm-up” protests in preparation for coronation day. Protests are planned for the day of the ceremony in other parts of the UK.
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