A 23-YEAR-OLD man is in custody for questioning on suspicion of a public order offence after eggs were thrown at the King and Queen Consort in York.
North Yorkshire Police said a “well-rehearsed” security operation had been in place for the visit to ensure the royal couple’s safety.
The pair were on a visit to the city when a protester threw eggs at them, all of which missed before they were ushered away.
The man was heard shouting “this country was built on the blood of slaves” as he was being detained by around four police officers.
Other people in the crowd started chanting “God save the King” and “shame on you” at the protester.
READ MORE: King Charles officially makes Dunfermline a city
During the visit, the King is set to unveil a statue of the late Queen.
The York Press's Chief Reporter Mike Laycock, who witnessed the incident said: "It was all going to plan, with crowds cheering as the King and Camilla got out of the car and began greeting dignatories such as the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr David Carr.
"But then I heard a disturbance and looked across the road to see eggs flying through the air towards the King.
"I am not sure whether any of them struck him. There were four eggs left on the ground afterwards.
"The egg-throwing drew an angry reaction from the crowd, who booed and jeered, and shouted 'God Save The King,' particularly as the man was eventually carried away by police."
Charlotte Bloxham, the force’s silver commander for the operation, said: “I’m pleased to report that the policing operation and the overall wider visit was successful today.
“An enormous amount of planning and preparation goes into visits of this nature. I would like to thank all the officers and staff that supported today’s operation.
“Many partner agencies also assisted us with the planning and execution, and I would also like to extend my thanks to them.
“On behalf of the force, it was a privilege for North Yorkshire Police to welcome the King and Queen Consort to North Yorkshire.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article