Queen Camilla targeted by anti-monarchy protestors at Easter service: ‘Down with the crown!’

Queen Camilla targeted by anti-monarchy protestors at Easter service: ‘Down with the crown!’

Watch: Republic crowds protest at Worcester Cathedral

GB News
Hannah Ross

By Hannah Ross


Published: 28/03/2024

- 19:28

Updated: 29/10/2024

- 19:08

The Republic group campaigns to abolish the British monarchy

  • The Queen was also met by crowds of well-wishers showing support for the Royal Family
  • Camilla attended today’s Maundy Thursday service without King Charles
  • Have your say: Does the Queen deserve more credit for stepping up in the absence of other senior royals? Just click the comment button above now

Queen Camilla was targeted by anti-monarchy protestors during an Easter service on Thursday.

The Queen arrived at Worcester Cathedral for a religious service this morning to be faced by activists campaigning against the monarchy.


Republic, a group that regularly protests against the Royal Family, were pitched outside the cathedral holding large yellow banners and flags.

The group chanted, "Down with the crown" as the Queen led the annual Maundy service in place of the King.

Queen Camilla and Republic

Queen Camilla met by anti-monarchy group at Maundy service

Getty

Camilla made history as the first consort to lead the special event as Charles stepped back as he continues his cancer treatment.

In a statement released before the event, Republic said: "When Camilla visits Worcester on Thursday it will be a reminder too of how out of touch the monarchy is with the values of most of us. Values such as equality, democracy and the rule of law."

GB News Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker talked with Graham Smith, the CEO of Republic outside of the service Thursday.

Smith said that the group was "continuing our string of protests against the monarchy".

Republic Group

Republic campaigned against the monarchy on Thursday

Getty

When asked about the appropriateness of protesting at Royal Family events in the wake of Princess Kate and King Charles’s cancer diagnoses Smith said that the protest was about the institution, not the family members.

He said: "We separate out the personal and private from the issue and this is a protest about the institution and we’ve been very clear on social media.

"We’ve expressed our sympathies for both Charles and Kate and we wish them a speedy recovery.

"But this is not about that and the institution is still there and we will continue to protest until it isn’t."

Princess Kate released a video message on Friday announcing that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

Queen CamillaThe Right Reverend Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester Cathedral greets Queen before Royal Maundy ServiceGetty

Republic tweeted their sympathies for the princess stating: "We're very sorry to hear about Kate's cancer diagnosis and wish her a speedy recovery."

Smith also mentioned that since the King’s Coronation, he has noticed an increase in support for Republic.

He said: "Our numbers have rocketed; awareness is far greater and the polling is going on a downward trajectory to the royals."

However, the Queen was also met with crowds of well-wishers in Worcester on Thursday with gifts for the Princess of Wales and King Charles.

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Queen Camilla

The Queen was also met by crowds of well-wishers at the Easter service

Getty

Camilla was presented with cards and bunches of flowers from those lining the streets for her arrival.

Sheila Clark, 66, from Glasgow handed over a picture of the King and Queen and a card for Kate to Camilla.

She said that she hoped that "Kate’s getting on well and I’m sorry to hear about her illness and hoping Kate gets peace now to recover."

Bishop of Worcester Dr John Inge, who led the Maundy Thursday service, mentioned the King during the blessing and said to the Queen: "We hope you will convey to him our love and respect."

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