Trooping the Colour was met by anti-monarchy protests for the first time today. Dozens of protesters turned up on The Mall to protest against the monarchy.

This was the latest of a string of protests against the monarchy organised by Republic and the first at Trooping the Colour.

Republic has recently criticised the monarchy for using the military for their own PR purposes, wearing ranks and medals they haven't earned. The campaign group has argued Trooping the Colour should celebrate courage and service, not the monarchy.

Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said today:

"This is another costly royal celebration, a birthday parade that celebrates a corrupt, dishonest institution when people are crying out for change."

"Support for the monarchy has dropped sharply in recent years, down towards 50%, while abolition is now supported by a third of the population."

"Rather than having the parade to celebrate Charles's birthday, why not use the moment to celebrate the service given by our armed forces?"

"Rather than see royals wear uniforms, rank and medals they've not earned, let's put real military personnel front and centre."

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

"We will continue to protest at royal events, getting people engaged with this issue and sparking wider debate about the future of the monarchy."

"And our message is clear: It's time to abolish the monarchy, it's time to change the country for good."

The next Republic protest will be at the state opening of parliament on July 17, likely to be the first under a new Labour government.
 
PHOTOS and VIDEO can be found here.