Police arrest republican leader ahead of King Charles' coronation

FILE PHOTO: Graham Smith, a member of a Republic and the author of the book 'Abolish the Monarchy', attends a anti-monarchy protest prior to the Commonwealth Service, outside Westminster Abbey in London, Britain, March 13, 2023. REUTERS/May James/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - British police arrested Graham Smith, leader of anti-monarchy group Republic, and a number of other individuals as part of what they called "a significant police operation" ahead of King Charles' coronation on Saturday.

Tens of thousands of people have gathered to cheer the royal procession and military parade for King Charles' coronation at London's Westminster Abbey on Saturday, the biggest ceremonial event staged in the British capital for 70 years.