Thames Valley Police have been accused of an attack on free speech and the right to protest this morning, after effectively banning an anti-monarchy protest in Windsor.

Campaigners from Republic were to hold up a banner saying 'Charles, what are you hiding?' as the German state visit procession passed through Windsor.

The protest is a continued effort to demand answers about what Charles and William knew about accusations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

After liaising with local police, Republic were told they would be arrested if they protested near the procession, citing unjustified concerns about the banner and amplified noise. The police then threatened to arrest anyone heckling Charles from the fence line. 

Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said today:

"Thames Valley Police have today decided that protests are essentially banned. Free speech is conditional on arbitrary decisions by police inspectors, denying people even the right to heckle public figures."

"This is a disgraceful attack on free speech and the right to protest."

"It's a complete travesty that citizens of this country are not allowed to voice their opposition to our unelected head of state."

"Republic will be lodging a formal complaint with the police and pledging to continue the fight for the right to protest."

"We won't back down. We will continue to protest wherever the royals go. This isn't just about opposing the monarchy, it's about defending our country's most fundamental rights."