Anti-monarchists chanting ‘Not My King’ protest alongside rival Royalists in Edinburgh
Royal fans vented their anger today after a Scottish anti-monarchy protest was allowed to take place outside a coronation party attended by the King.
They complained that Republican protesters got “the best view” of the event at Edinburgh’s St Giles Cathedral as they waved large signs.
Protesters gathered outside the Supreme Court building after earlier marches up and down the Royal Mile chanting ‘Not My King’ and handing out stickers to passersby.
They lined up in a specially cordoned off area on the Royal Mile to protest from there, along with well-wishers who had arrived early to secure a good spot.
The King will receive the Honors of Scotland – the crown jewels of the country – during the service of thanksgiving and devotion.
The event will commemorate Charles and Camilla, in the presence of leading figures of Scottish life and members of a popular procession that will walk through the Scottish capital.
Royal fan Anne Connolly, 65, from South Shields in North East England, said: “They have given the demonstrators the best place here, the best view. It’s not fair.’
A massive security operation is underway to manage the protests and ensure that the event itself is not disrupted.
Pro-monarchy protesters gathered with Republicans today for the Scottish coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in Edinburgh
The two groups stood side by side separated by small groups of stewards
Agents have taken anti-terror measures, including sweeping trash cans and banning drones from the area around the event.
While the British anti-monarchist group Republic demonstrates along Lawnmarket, Scottish activists emerge Our Republic is organizing a simultaneous protest in Holyrood.
Meanwhile, royal fans are lining up the route the royal procession will take to the service of thanksgiving and consecration at St Giles’ Cathedral.
Among those in attendance was Margaret Jenkins, 62, from East Lothian, who said: ‘I’m excited to see King Charles, my king, and I know not everyone will agree.’
Anne Connolly, 65, from South Shields, said: ‘It’s a good day out. We look forward to seeing the king and Camilla.’
Referring to an area fenced off for protesters outside the cathedral, she said: “They’ve given the protesters the best place here, the best view. It’s not fair.’
Anti-monarchy activists chanting ‘Not My King’ were met by royal fans waving the Union flag
A man outside St Giles’ Cathedral held a sign reading ‘Only the tourists cheer’
Another controversially branded King Charles III “king of the tax evaders.”
Supporters of the royal family gathered in Edinburgh today alongside a crowd of anti-monarchy protesters (left)
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, police chief of the event, said officers will take a “proactive approach” to protesters, but that “safety is our priority.”
He said: ‘Campaigning and demonstrating is a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life. Abusive, threatening behavior or activity intended to disrupt the event that endangers public safety is not a legitimate protest.
‘Officers in the field have to make estimates in order to be able to quickly assess whether someone’s behavior exceeds the crime limit.
There are a number of factors and circumstances that influence this decision-making, as well as any triggers that could lead to a wider disruption.
‘Each situation is unique. Safety comes first for us, balanced against people’s rights.’
Fifteen roads in the city have been closed to make way for the thousands of spectators expected to line the streets. All traffic is restricted, including buses and bicycles. Council heads also warned of potential travel chaos and urged people to plan ahead for travel.
Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: ‘The eyes of the world will once again be upon us as we mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. I am pretty sure it will be another proud day for the capital.
“We have to be prepared for disruptions throughout the city, especially in the Old Town. We are working to manage this as well as possible and to keep residents, businesses and visitors informed.
“For those who want to enjoy the royal and folk processions, I urge you to plan ahead.”
The event kicks off at 1.15pm with a People’s Procession along the Royal Mile consisting of 100 individuals from different groups representing different aspects of Scottish life.
At 1:40 pm the Honors of Scotland leave Holyroodhouse under military escort. More than 700 members of the armed forces will lead the ceremonial elements of the day.
The Stone of Destiny is also expected to feature prominently at the service at St Giles’.
Following the ceremony, a tri-service guard of honor will receive Their Majesties and the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay before 12 Regiment Royal Artillery fires a 21-gun salute at Edinburgh Castle. The events formally conclude with a fly-past from the Red Arrows.
Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, said: ‘I know thousands of Scots will be storming the streets of Edinburgh to honor the King and once again welcome the Royal Family to Scotland.
“It will be a huge honor to attend the service in my role as Secretary of State for Scotland.”