Photo: Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty
Not everyone was celebratingKing CharlesandQueen Camilla’scoronationday.
While supportive crowds lined the London streets hoping to catch a glimpse of King Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 75, on the day of their crowning ceremony, protestors also made their presence known.
Protestors from the anti-monarchy group Republic gathered in Trafalgar Square, chanting “Not my King.” Many of the activists wore yellow and brandished signs in the movement’s signature hue.
“I’m protesting because I’m a member of Republic, which is the campaign group for a republic in this country, because I want to see the monarchy abolished. It might not happen in my lifetime, but it might happen in my children’s lifetime,” a protestor named Anna tells PEOPLE. “I believe there is too much classism and snobbery in this country and the royal families sit at the very top of that pyramid, and if we abolish the monarchy I think we’ll have a fairer, better, society, more democratic and a country that I’d be proud to call my own.”
Piroschka van de Wouw - WPA Pool/Getty
Looking ahead, Anna said she wasn’t sure if she would seePrince Williamon the throne one day.
“It’s really hard to tell because according to the polls, support for the monarchy is dropping year on year. Now over, half of people under the age of 45 support the monarchy, so if you look at it that way, we are definitely heading towards a republic,” the activist adds.
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The coronation day wasn’t the first time that King Charles kept calm and carried on in the face of protestors. Anti-monarchy group Republic hasgathered at many of the monarch’s royal engagementsin recent months, holding yellow signs with slogans such as “Not My King.”
In December, King Charles kept cool during a walkabout in Luton when anegg was allegedly thrown in his direction. He was greeting well-wishers gathered outside Luton Town Hall when an egg flew towards where he stood, theAssociated Pressreported. According to the outlet, protection officers redirected the royal to another spot, where he continued shaking hands with people. Bedfordshire Police said that a man in his 20s was detained and taken into custody, theBBCreported.
King Charles.Dan Mullan/Getty Images
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King Charles' coronation will be more modest thanQueen Elizabeth’s crowning in 1953. Two thousand guests will pour into Westminster Abbey’s pews for King Charles, while 8,251 people attended his mother’s service. The King will also introduce more modern elements.
RELATED VIDEO: How King Charles and Queen Camilla Will Be Each Other’s ‘Source of Strength’ on Coronation Day
“It’s going to be more inclusive. I think with many more religions [represented],” said Lady Anne Glenconner, 90, who served as a maid of honor at Elizabeth’s coronation.
source: people.com
