Anti-monarchy demonstrators from Republic appeared outside St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh this morning, chanting “Not My King” as the Royal Family motorcades arrived for the Order of the Thistle service.
The protesters brandished placards bearing the question “What did you know?”, a reference to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The former prince has repeatedly and strongly denied any wrongdoing in connection with the allegations.
The demonstration took place opposite the historic cathedral during one of Scotland’s most prestigious ceremonial occasions, which forms part of the annual Royal Week celebrations.
Republic stood with signs reading ‘What did you know?’ near St Giles’ Cathedral
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MATTHEW ASLETT
Positioned behind cordons, the small contingent of activists held yellow signs with messages including “Charles what are you hiding?” and “Not my King.”
The Republic-organised group found themselves vastly outnumbered by enthusiastic royal supporters who had gathered along the route, waving flags and hoping for a glimpse of the senior royals as they passed.
The contrasting crowds created a striking scene outside the medieval cathedral, with vocal dissent competing against cheers from well-wishers lining the streets.
The protest followed another demonstration the previous day, when activists unfurled a banner reading “Cut the Half Billion Royal Budget” on a hillside visible from the Holyroodhouse garden party.
Prince William, Queen Camilla and King Charles were met with protesters in Edinburgh
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GETTY
The King and Queen arrived at the cathedral in the Royal Bentley, followed by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh, with all four dressed in the distinctive emerald velvet robes and large plumed hats associated with the ancient order.
Upon arrival, Their Majesties received a Royal Salute from the Guard of Honour, provided by the Royal Company of Archers, the King’s Body Guard for Scotland, while the band performed the National Anthem.
The Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral, along with the Chancellor and Dean of the Order of the Thistle, formally greeted the royal party at the entrance.
Prince Edward and Prince William arriving at the cathedral
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GETTY
Graham Smith, speaking on behalf of Republic, expressed pride in the organisation’s campaigners: “I’m proud of our campaigners and activists who get out there and make sure the message is heard loud and clear. We are not a nation of royalists.”
He pointed to declining public support for the institution, noting: “Only 45% of the country now supports retaining the monarchy.
“That’s massive – we are on the path to abolition, plain and simple.”
Despite this claim, 55 per cent of Britons say they would favour Britain being a monarchy, according to the latest Ipsos poll conducted on June 19.