Four individuals were taken into custody after vandalizing the display case of a valuable diamond-studded crown at the Tower of London.

The exhibition of the Crown Jewels was briefly shut down on Saturday (local London time) when activists from the group Take Back Power smeared apple crumble and poured yellow custard—both traditional British desserts—over the case that houses the Imperial State Crown. This crown was notably worn by King Charles III during his exit from the 2023 coronation and his 2024 parliamentary address.

Adorned with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies, and 269 pearls, this significant crown was originally crafted for King Charles’ grandfather, George VI, for his 1937 coronation.

Authorities reported that the activists were detained on charges related to criminal damage.

According to Historic Royal Palaces, the priceless jewels, which are a significant attraction for visitors, remained undamaged.

The civil disobedience group that advocates for a permanent citizens’ assembly and wants to tax extreme wealth said two of its members had thrown the food and two others were also arrested and taken into custody.

“Britain is broken!” One of the protesters said after the stunt, as he and a woman wore black shirts saying “Take back POWER”, which is the name of the group.

The stunt is one of many that has targeted prized treasures and artworks to draw attention to a political cause.

Petroleum protesters were imprisoned last year for tossing a can of tomato soup on glass protecting Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” at London’s National Gallery.

Earlier this week, protesters from the same group emptied bags of manure underneath the Christmas tree at the Ritz Hotel in Mayfair.

Video of the act at the Tower of London, once a royal palace also known as the prison where Anne Boleyn, Thomas More and others were executed, showed two protesters attacking the case as other visitors stepped back in shock.

After an employee intervened and radioed for help, the two demonstrators unfurled a sign saying, “Democracy has crumbled. Tax the rich.”

Reported with Associated Press.