Environmental activism group Extinction Rebellion (XRUK) has denied it is planning to “storm” Windsor Castle during a planned demonstration in the town.
Reports on Thursday claimed the group was planning to occupy areas that are off-limits to the public.
MailOnline reported a “leading security and risk assessment organisation” had “infiltrated” the organisation’s group chats.
Posing as a potential activist, the investigator reportedly also listened into a Zoom meeting where they revealed secret plans for their publicised ‘Upgrade Democracy’ event in Windsor.
The group reportedly planned to create a diversion on The Long Walk - the tree-lined avenue approaching the castle - allowing other group members to access out-of-bounds areas.
But the group has firmly denied these allegations.
“Extinction Rebellion UK does not have any plans to storm Windsor castle, any hotels nor cause public disruption during our three day event 'Upgrade Democracy' in Windsor,” said Marijn van de Geer, of the Citizens Assembly Working Group for XRUK.
“Instead, Upgrade Democracy aims to address the failures of the current political, economic, and judicial systems that are harming people and the planet.
“Extinction Rebellion UK calls for a Citizens' Assembly on Climate and Ecological Justice to ensure inclusive and just decision-making.
“The weekend's centrepiece, the Massembly, invites the public to explore alternative democratic models and work together toward a fairer future. We won't be storming any castles - but we will be hatching exciting plans to fix the current broken system that is burning down the planet.
“This gathering is about uniting communities for positive change, not disruption or alienation.”
The ‘Upgrade Democracy’ event is due to take place on the last weekend of August, from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1.
Its website says the event will comprise a range of activities including letter writing, art workshops and music, as well as a funfair.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has been the home of 40 monarchs.
The Princess of Wales has been spending time there, while she undergoes treatment for cancer. She and Prince William have their own home there, at Adelaide Cottage within Windsor Home Park.
“We are not targeting a person, but the broken system,” says XRUK on its website. “Windsor Castle is a symbol of that system.”
It goes on to quote the opening of King Charles’ 2010 book Harmony: “This is a call to revolution. The Earth is under threat. It cannot cope with all that we demand of it. It is losing balance and we humans are causing this to happen.”
