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Protesters waving signs saying ‘Not my King’ disrupted King Charles’s visit to Milton Keynes today to mark its newly-granted city status.
The protest was organised by Republic, a group that advocates for an elected head of state, which gathered around 20 protesters amongst hundreds of well-wishers.
Videos show enthusiastic crowds cheering the King as he arrived at the city’s Church of Christ the Cornerstone, with a few boos and jeers from the activists.
Waving to the crowd, Charles, 74, approaches and begins shaking hands with them, while some sing ‘God Save the King’.
Charles was to be joined on the Buckinghamshire visit by Queen Consort Camilla, 75, but she pulled out after testing positive for Covid.
A member of the public presented the King with flowers, wishing Camilla the best.
King Charles III arrives at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone in Milton Keynes to celebrate Milton Keynes’ new status as a city
Republic, a group which advocates for an elected head of state, is staging the protest in Buckinghamshire
King Charles III arrives at Church of Christ the Cornerstone for a reception with members of the local community and organisations on February 16
Republic wrote on Twitter today: ‘We’re off to Milton Keynes today, to ask the King some questions. You can join the protest at the Church of Christ Cornerstone.’
In a short video on Twitter the King, flanked by his imposing security detail, arrives at the church in Milton Keynes.
As he turns the corner, he is greeted by a large crowd of people – some holding Union flags.
Waving to the crowd, the King approaches and begins shaking hands while some sing ‘God Save the King’.
Towards the back, four people holding large yellow ‘Not My King’ signs are seen.
Neither acknowledging them or reacting to the message, the King finishes greeting members of the public and heads into the church.
Republic had previously said it was concerned by the prospect of police harassment at royal events.
Many children has been taken to the meet-and-greet to try and get close to the King
However other people came to the church to hold signs reading ‘Not my King’
The King ignored all anti-monarchy protesters on his walkabout
A spokesman told the Daily Express: ‘Republic is concerned about recent police harassment of peaceful protesters at royal events.
‘We’re determined to get the message across that it’s OK to protest against the royals. Instead of a pointless coronation, we need a serious public debate.
‘We believe the British public should be asked – do you want Charles or a choice?
‘The tide is starting to turn against the monarchy and we need a serious debate about its future.’
Social media reaction to the stunt was lukewarm, with many questioning the point of the protest. One said: ‘Those protestors are so sad.’
Another added: ‘Love his unbotheredness walking right up to the crowd with the “Not My King” signs to greet them!’
‘He’s an old pro.. that’s the way to deal with them’, said a third user.
There was massive excitement when King Charles’ royal car arrived
Many children sat on their parents shoulders to get a good view of the King
The King has come to Milton Keynes to attend a ceremony where it will obtain city status
The Church of Christ Cornerstone was covered in Union flags
Hundreds of people had gathered in the Union flag-covered car park to see the new King, who took his time to meet as many as he could.
It was a busy afternoon for the monarch, who was presented with flowers by a well-wisher who asked him if Camilla was feeling better.
The Queen Consort had tested positive for Covid after suffering from cold symptoms and was forced to cancel a West Midlands visit.
In a sweet video, Charles can be seen graciously accepting the gift and exchanging a few words with the woman.
Many praised the King’s people skills which could be seen in videos shared on social media. One said: ‘King Charles is getting wonderful reception wherever he goes.’
Another user commented: ‘King Charles is always a big deal. Love the energy in the crowds.’
Milton Keynes will be officially given city status today in a ceremony after it was granted in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last May.
The area is home to around 280,000 people and had previously failed to become a city in 2000, 2002 and 2012.
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