A 23-YEAR-OLD man is in custody for questioning on suspicion of a public order offence after eggs were thrown at the King and Queen Consort in York.
North Yorkshire Police said a “well-rehearsed” security operation had been in place for the visit to ensure the royal couple’s safety.
The pair were on a visit to the city when a protester threw eggs at them, all of which missed before they were ushered away.
The man was heard shouting “this country was built on the blood of slaves” as he was being detained by around four police officers.
Other people in the crowd started chanting “God save the King” and “shame on you” at the protester.
During the visit, the King is set to unveil a statue of the late Queen.
The York Press's Chief Reporter Mike Laycock, who witnessed the incident said: "It was all going to plan, with crowds cheering as the King and Camilla got out of the car and began greeting dignatories such as the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr David Carr.
"But then I heard a disturbance and looked across the road to see eggs flying through the air towards the King.
"I am not sure whether any of them struck him. There were four eggs left on the ground afterwards.
"The egg-throwing drew an angry reaction from the crowd, who booed and jeered, and shouted 'God Save The King,' particularly as the man was eventually carried away by police."
Charlotte Bloxham, the force’s silver commander for the operation, said: “I’m pleased to report that the policing operation and the overall wider visit was successful today.
“An enormous amount of planning and preparation goes into visits of this nature. I would like to thank all the officers and staff that supported today’s operation.
“Many partner agencies also assisted us with the planning and execution, and I would also like to extend my thanks to them.
“On behalf of the force, it was a privilege for North Yorkshire Police to welcome the King and Queen Consort to North Yorkshire.”
