Man arrested during King's Croydon visit, police say
The Metropolitan Police made one arrest on Friday 13 November during King Charles III's visit to Croydon, south London. Officers acted to prevent a breach of the peace, a common-law term for behaviour that is likely to lead to violence or to fear of violence.
According to a police spokesman, the man became aggressive while standing behind the metal safety barrier, and then again inside the crowd. Royal Central carried the police account of the incident.
He was taken away from the area. Police released him once they were satisfied there was no likelihood that the breach would continue.
Royal Central also reported that the man was a trader at Surrey Street Market, the market in Croydon that the King visited that day.
The visit had two main parts. The King first toured the BRIT School, the performing arts school in Croydon. He then went to Surrey Street Market to meet traders and local businesses.
The trip was tied to two anniversaries. It marked the King's 78th birthday, and it celebrated 750 years since the market received its royal charter in 1276. A royal charter is a formal written grant issued in the sovereign's name, and this one dates from the reign of Edward I.
Crowd barriers are a common sight on royal walkabouts, where members of the public gather along a route to watch. Police are usually on hand to keep the space around the sovereign clear and orderly. In this case, the force said the arrest was made to keep the peace in a crowd that had gathered at the barrier.
The Metropolitan Police has not, in the account reported so far, said what charge if any the man faces. Anyone wanting the latest on the case should check the force's own statements.
