Buckingham Palace hijacked by anti-monarchy protesters who gleefully pose for pictures to celebrate 'fantastic moment'

They posed for a photo inside wearing the palace, each wearing a top with a single letter on, to spell out the phrase "Not my king".

They captioned the photo with the following: "This is a fantastic moment for republicans nationwide, with a group of normal citizens standing up for democracy in the adopted home of the Monarchy."

They praised the work done by the protesters and encouraged others to get involved.

"But, it wouldn’t have been possible without members of our Local Groups, who made up the protest today. Join your nearest to get involved in republican activism!"

It is understood that the group visited posing as tourists.

Six of the activists involved were briefly detained by security, before being escorted out of the front gate.

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Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said today: "This is a first, an anti-monarchy protest inside Buckingham Palace. A fantastic statement of intent, citizens standing up in the home of the monarchy to declare their opposition to hereditary power.

"Charles is not an untouchable monarch, he is not immune to criticism and doesn't enjoy the deference that protected the monarchy while his mother was on the throne.

"Charles is not a unifying figure, he is a hypocrite on the environment, he has questions to answer about cash for honours and dodgy donations from Qataris and he is out of touch the concerns of ordinary people struggling with the cost of living crisis.

"I'm proud of our local activists who came together today to take this stand. Our local campaigns are expanding rapidly, with more than thirty now active around the UK.

"Republic will continue to protest against the monarchy up and down the country, with the next protest set for the state opening of parliament on November 7."

The group are calling for the monarchy to be replaced with an elected head of state.

On their website, Republic outlined why they wanted to see the monarchy abolished: "It's simple: Hereditary public office goes against every democratic principle.

"And because we can’t hold the King and his family to account at the ballot box, there’s nothing to stop them abusing their privilege, misusing their influence or simply wasting our money."

In May, Republic protesters took to the streets of London ahead of the King's coronation, which led to some being arrested.

Police were seen bundling the activists into the back of police vans and confiscating hundreds of "Not My King" banners after they gathered to demonstrate along the Coronation route.