Woman arrested during King’s proclamation in Edinburgh charged with breach of the peace

12 September 2022, 13:06

Crowds at St Giles Cathedral see the Queen's coffin arrive
Crowds at St Giles Cathedral see the Queen's coffin arrive. Picture: lbc/alamy

By StephenRigley

A woman arrested with a protest sign as the Queen's cortege arrived in Edinburgh yesterday has been charged with a breach of the peace.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The 22-year-old woman was pictured holding the sign, which read "F*** imperialism, abolish monarchy", before the King's Accession Proclamation outside St Giles Cathedral in the Scottish capital.

She has been charged "in connection with a breach of the peace" and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Police Scotland said.

No further details have been offered.

The arrest prompted concern among republican campaigners and free speech activists.

Rachel Johnson responded to the news in a tweet: "What were the grounds for her arrest? How peculiar".

King Charles has flown back to Edinburgh to attend a special Service of Thanksgiving at the Church of Scotland cathedral.

Prime Minister Liz Truss and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will join the newly installed monarch.

He addressed MPs and members of the House of Lords at Westminster Hall this morning.

Crowds at St Giles Cathedral see the Queen's coffin arrive
Crowds at St Giles Cathedral see the Queen's coffin arrive. Picture: lbc/alamy

Her late Majesty's coffin will stay in Parliament from Wednesday afternoon until 6.30am on Monday, at which point she will be moved to Westminster Abbey for her state funeral.

The King this afternoon confirmed a minute's silence on Sunday night in advance of the funeral.

He told Westminster Hall today: “As I stand before you today, I cannot help but feel the weight of history which surrounds us and which reminds us of the vital parliamentary traditions to which members of both Houses dedicate yourselves with such personal commitment, for the betterment of us all.”

Charles also said the late Queen had “set an example of selfless duty which, with God's help and your counsels, I am resolved faithfully to follow.”

Following the King's address, the audience stood and the national anthem was sung in Westminster Hall.

The King and Queen Consort then departed, followed by the Lords and Commons Speakers.

Read More: Crowds face 30-hour queues stretching back five miles to see the Queen's coffin

Read More: National minute’s silence at 8pm on Sunday to honour ‘life and legacy’ of Queen Elizabeth II

Her late Majesty's coffin arrives at the Church of Scotland cathedral
Her late Majesty's coffin arrives at the Church of Scotland cathedral. Picture: lbc/alamy

Mourners hoping to see the coffin at Westminster Hall were warned of 30-hour queues stretching back five miles.

Culture secretary Michelle Donelan warned of "unprecedented demand" to see Her Majesty's coffin before her state funeral at Westminster Abbey next week.

Around 750,000 people are expected to line up to pay their respects to Her late Majesty - and could face queues longer than a day stretching back five miles.

Culture secretary Michelle Donelan wrote to fellow MPs via WhatsApp this morning: "Queues could be up to 30 hours as we are obviously expecting and planning for unprecedented demand", The Times reported.

Officials expect as many as one million people to swell in the capital, rivalling the huge number who gathered in London to pay tribute to Princess Diana after her death in August 1997.

Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state at Westminster Hall from Wednesday afternoon until her state funeral on Monday morning.

The government is also said to be braced for London to be “full” for the very first time.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon)

'No exceptions, no exemptions': Trump brings in 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Washington. (Photo/Alex Brandon)

'Let all hell break out': Trump says Gaza ceasefire 'should be axed' if Hamas doesn't free all hostages on Saturday

Kim Leadbeater after the bill passed its first reading in November

Assisted dying cases could go ahead without judge's approval

Kanye West

Kanye West slammed for Super Bowl advert directing viewers to site selling swastika t-shirts

Matar is accused of trying to murder Salman Rushdie

Man accused of trying to murder Salman Rushdie says 'Free Palestine' as he is led into court

Legendary strongman Geoff Capes left nearly £240,000 in his will

Legendary strongman and Olympian Geoff Capes leaves £240k in will following death aged 75

The scene in Coulter Road, Hammersmith, west London, following the death of a woman in a flat

Woman, 36, found dead after man seen trying to force his way into flat in west London

Quinn Parker

'Inhumane' NHS trust admits maternity failings as three babies die within months of each other

The Aesculapian snake can grow up to two metres in length

Europe's biggest snake 'thriving' in UK and living in people's attics, study finds

The Aurora Borealis, Or Northern Lights, Visible From Large Swath Of North America

Northern Lights to be visible across parts of UK tonight

Zhenhao Zou is accused of rape

Woman among 10 allegedly raped by Chinese PhD student in London left “angry and ashamed” after attack, court told

London, UK. 28th January, 2025. Attorney General Richard Hermer arrives in Downing Street to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting. Credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Alamy Live News

Labour spat as peer brands attorney general Lord Hermer 'arrogant, progressive fool' and calls for him to quit

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire

Soldier, 19, complained of 'unwelcome behaviour' from 'psychotic and possessive' boss before taking her own life

Watch the rousing Super Bowl ad directed by Michael Bay on behalf of the Secret Service

US Secret Service spends millions on recruitment film from Hollywood director Michael Bay

Father jailed for at least 15 years after murdering daughter, 14, in 'kitchen play fight'

Scarlett Vickers' grandad defends father who stabbed teen to death in 'kitchen play fight'

Israeli captive Eli Sharabi was handed over on Saturday

Hamas delays the release of hostages 'until further notice' over claims Israel violated ceasefire deal