Hundreds of extra police from outside London were today being drafted into the capital to prevent Extinction Rebellion protesters blocking the Queen as she travels by carriage to the state opening of Parliament.
They will join the Met ensuring a “free flow of traffic” on the streets used by the monarch and other dignitaries to reach next Monday’s event.
The reinforcements were announced as royal sources disclosed the Queen is intending to make her journey in the royal carriage — rather than bowing to security fears and opting for an armoured Bentley instead.
Some security officials had previously thought the unrest on the capital’s streets could be a potential risk.
In 2017, when the opening took place in the wake of the Westminster and London Bridge terror attacks, the Queen travelled to it partly by car to maximise her protection.
Her Bentleys are adapted for her and have extra security measures.
This year, however, a senior source said she was planning to use her traditional carriage.
Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave said the Met had asked for “mutual aid from other forces” to keep roads clear and move protesters if necessary. He said the Met has “a good plan” to tackle the XR demos.
