PROTESTERS could clearly be heard chanting “not my King” during the BBC ’s coverage of King Charles’s so-called mini coronation in Edinburgh.
As royal staff waited to bring the Honours of Scotland inside St Giles’ Cathedral, where the official Scottish ceremony of thanksgiving and dedication was taking place to mark the coronation of King Charles, protesters from the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic could be heard shouting “Not my King” during the BBC’s live coverage of the event.
Footage even shows the group in the background, with large yellow flags emblazoned with the words "Not my King" clearly being visible.
A smattering of boos could also be heard while a band played "God Save The King".
They're boo'ing and chanting #NotMyKing at Charles Scotland
— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) July 5, 2023
procession. pic.twitter.com/E1H5FhPbS9
According to The National’s reporter Judith Duffy, who attended the ceremony, chants could also be heard inside the building – even at key moments such as the presentation of the Honours of Scotland.
Reports suggest that numerous people were arrested during the protests, with Republic calling for their immediate release.
Climate campaign group This Is Rigged have also claimed that two of their own protesters were arrested by police.
While both supporters and anti-monarchy campaigners crowded outside of St Giles’ Cathedral, the rest of the Royal Mile appeared noticeably quiet despite barriers anticipating large crowds.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel