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Royal fans vented their fury today after a Scottish anti-monarchy protest was allowed to take place outside a coronation celebration attended by the King.
They complained that republican demonstrators were given ‘the best view’ of the event at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh while waving large placards.
They lined up in a specially cordoned off area from which to noisily protest, alongside well-wishers who had arrived early to bag a good spot from which to congratulate the King and Queen.
Footage shows activists from the campaign group Republic chanting ‘Not My King’ during a demonstration yards from the procession route in Edinburgh.
But they can be seen being greeted with an equally loud response from supporters of the Royal Family waving Union flags.
The King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland – the country’s crown jewels – during the service of thanksgiving and dedication.
Charles and Camilla will be commemorated during the event attended by leading figures from Scottish life and members of a people’s procession who will walk through the Scottish capital.
Royal fan Anne Connolly, 65, from South Shields in North East England, said: ‘They’ve given the protestors the best spot here, the best view. It isn’t fair.’
A huge security operation is underway to manage the protests and ensure there is no disruption to the event itself.
Later, a senior Scottish Government minister is due to speak at an anti-monarchy protest outside the Scottish Parliament after turning down an invitation to the celebration. Green co-leader Patrick Harvie is a long-standing republican.
Pro-monarchy protesters gathered alongside republicans before King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Scottish Coronation in Edinburgh today
The two groups stood alongside each other separated by small groups of stewards
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.’
One of the protesters said the royal family is a ‘symbol of the state the country is in’.
She said: ‘They are a classic example of people who have too much when people have so little.
‘It’s not a personal thing against the King, but it is a democratic disgrace that he has this unelected position in a modern country.’
She said protesters had received an ‘absolutely fabulous’ response from passers-by.
She added: ‘It’s mostly tourists and they all find it very strange that we still have this odd constitutional quirk.’
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’.
Anti-monarchy activists chanting ‘Not My King’ were met with Union flag waving royal fans
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’.
Supporters of the Royal Family gathered in Edinburgh today alongside a crowd of anti-monarchy protesters (left)
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.’
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