Tory MPs’ fury as anti-monarchists plot a ‘Spanish Armada’ stunt on the Thames as the King performs his first state opening of Parliament

Tory MPs have vented their fury over a plot by anti-monarchists to stage a ‘Spanish Armada’ stunt in the Thames when King Charles attends Parliament next month. 

Republic, the campaign group who want the monarchy abolished, are planning a demonstration during the King’s first state opening of Parliament on 7 November.

They are encouraging supporters to wear yellow and bring placards in a bid to make their protest in Westminster ‘as visible as possible’ during the historic ceremony.

It has now also been revealed how Republic are looking for a ‘Thames-worthy vessel’ to take their demonstration onto the water.

In an email to supporters, seen by The Sun on Sunday, they stated: ‘We are looking for those who own (or knows a sympathetic person who owns) a Thames-worthy vessel to assist in the visual aspect of the protest.

‘As always our protest is peaceful and legal. Intrigued? Get in touch to find out more.’

King Charles will be attending his first state opening of Parliament as monarch on 7 November 

Republic, the campaign group who want the monarchy abolished, are planning a demonstration during the historic ceremony

It has been revealed how Republic are looking for a ‘Thames-worthy vessel’ to take their demonstration onto the water

Senior Conservatives have reacted with anger to the planned deminstration on the Thames. 

Ex-Cabinet minister Robert Buckland told the newspaper: ‘People of course have the right to protest. But taking a boat out on to the Thames is taking it a step too far.

‘They shouldn’t use the tactics of the Spanish Armada or Just Stop Oil to make their point.’

Fellow Tory MP Jonathan Gullis said: “It’s sad this tiny minority is so determined to undermine the very democratic process they claim to support. They should do us all a favour and put their oars away.’

Graham Smith, Republic’s chief executive, told MailOnline: ‘We’re after one boat for adding a visual element to the protest on the other side of Parliament.

‘Some MPs might want to calm down and accept that peaceful protest is a part of our democracy.

‘Jonathan Gullis might want to reflect on how a king wearing a crown and sitting in the Lords is part of a “democratic process”.

‘We’re expecting a few hundred protesters near Westminster station and intend to make our voices heard.’

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