King's Speech targeted as anti-monarchy protesters, anti-Israel activists and climate zealots unite

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that more than 30 members of Youth Demand had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance.

The Met released images of officers encircling the group outside, who could be heard chanting "free Palestine" and raising banners reading "Stop Israel's Gaza Genocide" before some of the crowd were arrested or moved on.

Metropolitan Police officers could be seen searching through the bags of activists in Victoria Embankment Gardens.

Further officers rolled up Palestinian flags, packed away audio equipment including a microphone and speaker and dismantled a pro-Palestinian banner.

City of London Police officers were also present at the park.

A Met statement confirmed that 10 members of Youth Demand had been arrested at around 9am in the Westminster area.

Then, another 20 to 25 protesters were "contained by officers" and then arrested on Victoria Embankment a short distance from the Houses of Parliament, the force added.

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A Met Police spokesperson said they moved in to make arrests following a warning from the activist group that it planned to target and disrupt the State Opening of Parliament.

In a statement, the Met said: "Everyone has the right to peaceful protest, but not to commit criminal offences or cause serious disruption."

The force said it facilitated a legitimate protest by Republic after they cooperated with police, published details of their plans, and agreed to protest in an area designated by police commanders.

But just last week, Youth Action had called for supporters to gather at Victoria Embankment Gardens today to protest Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's handling of the conflict in Gaza - days after they'd condemned the same thing at the Cenotaph on Monday.

In a social media statement at the time, Youth Demand had said: "Keir Starmer has called for a ceasefire. But we need actions, not words. That's why Youth Demand will disrupt the State Opening of Parliament.

"We disrupt because it is our duty to fight back in every way we non-violently can, and because we refuse to despair, but instead are full of hope that another way is possible."

And in a damning email seen just days prior by GB News, the group said: "Next Wednesday, July 17, is the State Opening of Parliament. In an outdated, farcical parade the king will ride in his (literal) golden carriage to usher in the new Labour government.

"Not in our name will Starmer be welcomed as the new head of a blood-stained Parliament in pomp and glory.

"So, Youth Demand will be disrupting the State Opening of Parliament. We disrupt because it is our duty to fight back in every way we non-violently can, and because we refuse to despair, but instead are full of hope that another way is possible."

There was no indication that any members of Republic had been arrested as the King arrived in Parliament without trouble - but the group has turned out at the event in the past.

Last year, for Charles III's first ever State Opening of Parliament as King, the group could be seen booing and chanting "not my King" as the royal procession filtered down Whitehall.