Anti-Monarchy Group Says Its Leader Arrested Ahead of King Charles Coronation

Graham Smith, leader of campaign group Republic, attends an anti-monarchy protest prior to the Commonwealth Service, outside Westminster Abbey in London, on March 13, 2023. May James/Reuters

The leader of anti-monarchy campaign group Republic has been arrested along with five of his team members in the run-up to the coronation of King Charles III, the group said.

Tens of thousands of people have gathered to cheer the royal procession and military parade for the coronation at London’s Westminster Abbey on Saturday, the biggest ceremonial event staged in the British capital for 70 years.