A woman who held an “abolish monarchy” sign at a proclamation ceremony for King Charles III in Edinburgh was arrested and charged with a criminal offence.

The 22-year-old woman held a sign saying ‘f*** imperialism, abolish monarchy’, in the crowd opposite the Mercat moments before the proclamation of Charles III as new king.

Officers appeared behind her and took her away, prompting the crowd to applaud.

One man reportedly shouted: “Let her go, it’s free speech,” while others yelled: “Have some respect.”

The woman was just one in a series of arrests that have alarmed republican and human rights groups.

A 74-year-old man was arrested in connection with a breach of the peace.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “A 74-year old man was arrested in the vicinity of the Palace of Holyroodhouse around 3.50pm on Sunday, September 11, 2022 in connection with a breach of the peace. He was later charged…”

Police Scotland also confirmed that a 22-year old man was “arrested in connection with a breach of the peace”, after heckling Prince Andrew as the Queen’s funeral cortege passed Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on Monday.

When asked for comments about the incidents in a daily press
conference, the prime minister’s official
spokesperson said: “This is a period of
national mourning for the vast vast majority of the country, but the fundamental right to protest remains the keystone of our democracy.”