Metropolitan Police boss Sir Mark Rowley has defended the policing of King Charles III’s Coronation and has refused to apologise for the arrests of anti-royalist protesters. Six members of the campaign group Republic were arrested before the Coronation began and he says this was “unfortunate”.
Writing in the London newspaper, the Evening Standard, he said: “The coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla was an historic moment of huge national significance.
“We are proud to have successfully ensured its safety and security despite the most challenging, fast-moving and complex policing picture we have ever encountered for a national celebration.
“This was the largest security operation the Metropolitan Police has ever led – 11,500 officers and staff and volunteers from across the Met, along with those who joined us from across the UK and overseas, did an incredible job alongside over 6,500 military ceremonial troops.”
“Much of the ill-informed commentary on the day is wholly inaccurate – for example protest was not banned. I want to be absolutely clear – our activity was targeted at those we believed were intent on causing serious disruption and criminality.”
He added: “Serious and reliable intelligence told us that the risks were very real. 53 individuals have been bailed and most of the following investigations will be lengthy as we work towards criminal charges.”
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