LONDON: Anti-monarchists on Sunday criticised the policing of the coronation of King Charles as heavy-handed, saying there was no longer a right to peaceful protest in Britain after dozens of protesters were arrested and detained into the night.

Police arrested Graham Smith, leader of the Republic group, and 51 others in central London as thousands of royal fans gathered in the capital for the event on Saturday, saying their duty to prevent disruption outweighed the right to protest. Republic said that members began to be released late on Saturday evening after nearly 16 hours in custody.

“This was a heavy-handed action which had the appearance of a pre-determined arrest that would have occurred regardless of the evidence or our actions. The right to protest peacefully in the UK no longer exists,” Smith said in a statement.

“These arrests were not about protecting people from harm, but about protecting the King from embarrassment.” The police said on Saturday that they understood public concern following the arrests, but said they acted after receiving information that protesters were determined to disrupt the coronation procession.

London police chief Mark Rowley warned on Friday that police would take action if protesters tried to “obstruct the enjoyment and celebration” of people, saying there would be a “very low tolerance” for disruption.

14m watch coronation

More than 14 million people tuned in to watch King Charles III’s coronation on BBC television, the corporation said on Sunday.

At its peak, 13.4 million watched on the main BBC One channel, with an average of 11.9 million watching Saturday’s coverage of the ceremony.

A signed version on BBC Two peaked at 1.7 million, averaging at 1.4 million, a statement from the public broadcaster read.

Saturday’s coronation — the first to be held in Britain in 70 years — was only the second to be televised, and the first to be shown in colour.

Street parties

On Sunday, tens of thousands of street parties got underway as Britain celebrated the coronation of King Charles III. “It’s lovely… you need these things to bring the community together,” Annette Cathcart, 67, said from at a party at the village hall in Ashley Green, in Buckinghamshire, southern England. “It’s the perfect way to celebrate.”

Prince William and wife Kate surprised fans on Windsor’s Long Walk with an unannounced visit. Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying Charles and Camilla were “deeply touched” by Saturday’s history-making events.

It added they were “profoundly grateful both, to all those who helped to make it such a glorious occasion”.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hosted a lunch at Downing Street, inviting community volunteers, Ukrainian refugees and dignitaries including US First Lady Jill Biden.

The British leader was joined by his wife, two daughters and the family dog, Nova, who sported a union flag bandana. Monday (today) has been declared a public holiday.Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2023