Around 30 protestors chanted ‘not my King’ during Charles and Camilla’s visit to York Minster, with plans for a larger protest at the coronation.

A group of republican demonstrators gathered outside York Minster on Thursday to voice their opposition to King Charles, chanting “not my King” as the royal couple arrived for the Royal Maundy service. The protesters, numbering around 30, were vastly outnumbered by the thousands of royal supporters and a heavy police presence.

Graham Smith, CEO of the republican group Republic, spoke about their plans for a larger demonstration at the King’s coronation, estimating that over 1,000 people would participate. Despite the large turnout, Smith promised that the protest would remain “fairly light-hearted,” aiming to create a fun, party-like atmosphere along the procession route.

The protestors plan to make their presence “unmissable,” with placards and chants calling for an election rather than a hereditary monarchy. Smith said they would continue their campaign beyond the coronation, challenging the concept of a head of state determined by succession, advocating for the right to choose a leader through an election instead.

While their protest received a mixed response in York, with many royal supporters voicing opposition, Smith emphasised the right to demonstrate in a free country. He acknowledged that the majority of people gathered outside York Minster disagreed with their stance but stood firm in their message.