Two women arrested for trying to climb over the barrier on the Royal Mile during King’s coronation

Two women were arrested today after attempting to climb over a guardrail on the Royal Mile during King Charles’ coronation celebrations.

Scotland Police said the women, aged 20 and 21, were arrested in connection with an alleged breach of the peace.

Earlier footage showed protesters from campaign group Republic chanting ‘not my King’ and clashing with equally vociferous Royalists who also held rival posters reading ‘Charles King of Scots’.

Tempers flared when a Royalist appeared to be attempting to snatch a giant Scottish flag from a Republican woman’s hands.

The tension came when Scottish Green Party co-leader Patrick Harvie, a minister in Prime Minister Humza Yousaf’s government, labeled Charles’s thanksgiving service at St Giles’ Cathedral as a “Game of Thrones-esque cosplay exercise”.

Royal fans had previously expressed anger after the anti-monarchy protest was allowed to take place meters from the processional route in Edinburgh.

They lined up in a specially cordoned off area to protest loudly, alongside well-wishers who had arrived early to secure a good spot to congratulate the King and Queen.

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.

Later, Mr Harvie will speak at a protest against the monarchy outside the Scottish Parliament after turning down an invitation to the celebration.

While the British anti-monarchist group Republic demonstrates along Lawnmarket, Scottish activists emerge Our Republic is organizing a simultaneous protest in Holyrood.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Harvie said: ‘It is fundamentally contrary to the kind of modern and democratic society we are trying to build here.’

He complained that he had to make a 25-minute detour from St Andrew’s House to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday.

He said: “I recognize there will be disruption when a major event happens.

‘But let’s think about how a modern, democratic head of state would handle his affairs in Scotland.

“It wouldn’t have this level of pomp and fuss.”

He acknowledged that there was still public support for the monarchy, but said pro-republic campaigners should make the case for “lesser issues.”

He told the PA news agency: “Republic and Our Republic struck the right balance by continuing to advocate for the change they seek: an elected head of state.

“In the meantime, talk about some of the smaller issues that need to be addressed as long as the monarchy is in existence, like, for example, some of the tax loopholes they have and some they don’t.”

Agents have taken anti-terror measures, including sweeping trash cans and banning drones in the area surrounding today’s event.

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.’

One of the demonstrators said the royal family is a “symbol of the state the country is in.”

She said: “They are a classic example of people having too much when people have so little.

“It is nothing personal against the king, but it is a democratic disgrace that he holds this unelected position in a modern country.”

She said protesters had received an “absolutely fantastic” response from passersby.

She added: “They are mainly tourists and they all think it’s very strange that we still have this strange constitutional quirk.”

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 started at 1.15pm with a People’s Procession along the Royal Mile, made up of 100 individuals from different groups representing different aspects of Scottish life.

At 1:40 pm the Honors of Scotland left Holyroodhouse under military escort. More than 700 members of the armed forces lead the ceremonial elements of the day.

The Stone of Destiny is also prominently featured during 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.”