Queen Camilla was met by a small group of anti-monarchy protestors as she arrived in Hexham, Northumberland, to conduct two royal engagements. Brandishing the bright yellow branding of the protest group Republic, less than a dozen people gathered in the pouring rain to protest Her Majesty’s visit.
Camilla ignored the group, who held signs and umbrellas reading ‘down with the crown’, and got on with her visit. Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said: “Wherever the royals go they end up costing taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds. Camilla’s visit today is just more royal PR, a brief visit that royalists will insist shows they work hard.”
“Schools, local councils and local police will all face huge bills for this visit. This is at a time when local services are facing cuts and local people will see their taxes go up.
“That’s why local campaigners took action today, protesting against a royal visit funded by taxpayers which locals neither have a say in, or benefit from.”
Republic has become a frequent feature at large-scale royal events, and their protests are usually drowned out by royalists.
A video posted on the Republic X page clearly shows protestors shouting, “Down with the crown!”.
As the protestors braved the rain, so did fans of Queen Camilla who were gathered under umbrellas to meet the royal in the market town of Hexham in Northumberland on her arrival.
Speaking ahead of the event, Derek Kennedy, the mayor of Hexham, said: “Hexham will be delighted to welcome her majesty to the Tyne Valley. We are very pleased that we’re going to receive such a regal guest into our realm.
“We are looking forward to seeing her, and I’m sure she will get a wonderful reception from all the people of Hexham and Tynedale.
“We welcomed the then-Prince Charles in 2018 so it’s been a little while since we had a royal visit. We will make sure that the bunting is out and Hexham is looking prim and proper.”
It’s the Queen’s third visit to the North East this year, having attended Durham Cathedral’s Royal Maundy Service with King Charles in April, the first held at the cathedral in 60 years, and visiting Teesside in February.
