Eco-zealots joke about 'delivering post' to King Charles at Windsor Castle
Eco-zealots joke about 'delivering post' to King Charles at Windsor Castle
XR
Eco-activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR) have staged a demonstration outside Windsor Castle as part of their new campaign to "upgrade democracy".
The protestors have joked about "delivering post" to King Charles, while police have warned tourists about disruption in the area.
A tent city sprung up in Windsor Great Park yesterday as part of the group's campaign, with their action at the Royal Family's Berkshire residence set to last for three days.
XR posted online ahead of the demonstration: "Extinction Rebellion is marching to the gates of Windsor Castle to deliver letters written by people on behalf of nature, the planet and all life."
Eco-zealots joke about 'delivering post' to King Charles as police warn tourists to 'avoid' Windsor CastleXR
The protest, called Upgrade Democracy, has said it will not specifically target the King or any individual
XR
Protesters have been pictured wielding signs with quotes from the King, including: "Revolution is a strong word and I use it deliberately".
Another said: "This is a call for revolution the Earth is under threat".
The King is not present at Windsor Castle throughout the demonstration, instead opting to join other senior royals at Balmoral for their annual summer holiday.
XR's Catherine Bartlett said Windsor Castle had been chosen as it represented "a broken and unjust system".
The protest has said it will not specifically target the King or any individual.
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The group has projected their logo and new campaign onto the walls of Windsor
XR
Protesters on the ground have also taken a soft line on the King, who is known for his environmental work.
One activist, 41-year-old Marijn van de Geer, said: "I reckon if he wasn't the King he'd probably be here... I think he'd probably be quite good at giving some talks and trainings.
"He's quite an outdoorsy person... He'd probably be up for doing some camping. It's a shame he's the King because he obviously can't be here.
"As an individual he has spoken out a lot about the environment. He was well ahead of his days at the time when he was talking about it and everyone was laughing at him.
"This is 100 per cent not an attack at the King. Extinction Rebellion UK does not have any plans to storm Windsor Castle, any hotels, nor cause public disruption."
Extra security has been brought in at Windsor Castle (file pic)
GettyAhead of the protests, a Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "We are aware of a planned demonstration in Windsor this weekend, from August 30 until September 1.
"We have been in contact with the organisers, and are working closely with partners to deliver a comprehensive plan, facilitating peaceful protest and ensuring the safety of all those in attendance and other members of the public.
"We will not tolerate criminal behaviour and those choosing to commit offences can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly."
Announcing their new campaign earlier this month, XR said: "The system is broken. Profit triumphs and power sneers at the people.
"Democracy in the UK is out of date, it's unfair, unjust & incapable of coping with the challenges of the climate & nature emergency. But this can be changed, together we can Upgrade Democracy. Will you join us?"
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