Anti monarchists chanting ‘Not My King’ faced off against rival royalists in Edinburgh today before King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Scottish Coronation.
Footage shows activists from the campaign group Republic staging a demonstration yards from the procession route.
But they can be seen being greeted with an equally loud response from supporters of the Royal Family chanting ‘Charles King of Scots’ while waving Union flags.
A huge security operation is underway to manage the protests and ensure there is no disruption to the event itself.
Fences will line parts of the route as the King and Queen are presented with the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, at a National Ceremony of Thanksgiving at 2.15 pm.
Anti-monarchy activists chanting ‘Not My King’ have descended on Edinburgh today before the Scottish Coronation
Officers have deployed anti-terror measures, including sweeping bins and banning drones in the area around the event.
While the UK anti-monarchist group Republic is demonstrating along Lawnmarket, Scottish campaigners from Our Republic are staging a simultaneous protest at Holyrood.
Meanwhile, royal fans have lined the route the royal procession will take to the service of thanksgiving and dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral.
Among those those attending were Margaret Jenkins, 62, from East Lothian, who said: ‘I’m excited to see King Charles, my King, and I know not everyone would agree.’
Anne Connolly, 65, from South Shields, said: ‘It’s a good day out. We’re looking forward to seeing the King and Camilla.’
Referring to said an area fenced off for protesters outside the cathedral, she said: ‘They’ve given the protestors the best spot here, the best view. It isn’t fair.’
One man outside St Giles’ Cathedral held a sign reading ‘only the tourists are cheering’
Another controversially branded King Charles III ‘king of the tax dodgers’.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, police lead for the event, said officers will take a ‘proactive engagement approach’ with protesters but that ‘safety is our priority’.
He said: ‘Campaigning and demonstration is a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life. Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt the event that risks public safety is not legitimate protest.
‘Officers on the ground have to make assessments to quickly consider whether someone’s behaviour breaches the threshold of criminality.
‘There are a range of factors and circumstances that affect this decision making, as well as any triggers that may lead to wider disruption.
‘Every situation is unique. Safety is our priority, balanced against people’s rights.’
Fifteen roads have been shut down across the city to make way for the thousands of spectators expected to line the streets. All traffic will be restricted, including buses and bikes. Council chiefs also warned of possible travel chaos and urged people to plan ahead for journeys.
Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: ‘The eyes of the world will be upon us once again as we mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. I’m quite sure it will be another proud day for the capital.
‘We have to be prepared for disruption across the city, particularly in the Old Town. We’re working to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated.
‘For those who wish to enjoy the Royal and People’s Processions, I urge you to plan ahead.’
The event will begin at 1.15pm with a People’s Procession along the Royal Mile comprised of 100 individuals from different groups representing various aspects of Scottish life.
At 1.40pm, the Honours of Scotland will leave Holyroodhouse under a military escort. More than 700 members of the Armed Forces will lead the ceremonial elements of the day.
The Stone of Destiny is also expected to feature prominently at the service at St Giles’.
Following the ceremony, a tri-service Guard of Honour will receive Their Majesties and The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, before 12 Regiment Royal Artillery deliver a 21-gun salute at Edinburgh Castle. The events will formally conclude with a fly past from the Red Arrows.
Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said: ‘I know that thousands of Scots will line the streets of Edinburgh to pay tribute to the King and welcome the Royal Family, once again, to Scotland.
‘It will be a huge honour to attend the service in my role as Secretary of State for Scotland.’
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk