Protest held against King Charles, Prince William at Buckingham Palace

Anti-monarchy protesters on Saturday held banners, on the day of the Trooping the Colour parade to honour Britain's King Charles on his official birthday in London.

Republic, an anti-monarchy group, said in a statement that "For the second year running Charles has faced loud and visible protests at the Trooping the Colour ceremony."

It said, "The Not My King protests organised by Republic has continued unabated since the start of 2023, with protests held recently in Middlsbrough, Durham, Hexham, London and Lancaster."

Trooping the Colour is the iconic annual event for the royals, making it a key moment for anti-monarchy protests.

The organization criticised the royals for exploiting "the military for their own PR purposes, Charles and William 'Walter Mittys' for wearing unearned ranks and medals."

It said a number of military veterans joined the protest, making clear their opposition to the monarchy's role in the ceremony.

The group's leader Graham Smith "This is another costly royal celebration, celebrating a corrupt, dishonest institution. And it's a shameful exploitation of the nation's military by the royals."

He said, "Walter Mitty is military slang for someone who earns uniforms, medals and ranks they haven't earned. That applies to Charles, William, Anne and Edward - they're the Walter Mitty Committee."

Smith said, "It's time this costly misuse of our military came to an end. People rightly raise questions about Trump and his parade, we shouldn't accept this abuse of our armed forces in the UK."

"Instead of celebrating this undemocratic institution, let's celebrate the people of this great country."

"It's time to abolish the monarchy, it's time to change the country for good."