In torrential rain, the march against the Royal Family was led by a mock guillotine on wheels.

Some protesters carried black anarchist flags and banners bearing anti-monarchy slogans.

Rock star Danbert Nobacon took part in the march

Among them was a Diana, Princess of Wales, look-alike stripper, and Chumbawumba singer Danbert Nobacon - real name Nigel Hunter.

The protest, co-ordinated by Movement Against the Monarchy, or MA'M - a splinter group of another anti-monarchy organisation, Republic, coincided with the 350th anniversary of Charles I's execution.

After gathering in Hyde Park, they marched down Park Lane.

Organisers had planned to march to the gates of Buckingham Palace, but the route was not approved and a heavy police presence escorted the protesters away from the palace down Piccadilly.

Anti-hunt campaigners joined the march

It was predicted that 2,000 people would join the march, but the wet weather mustered fewer than 1,000.

Before the march, spokesman for MA'M, Steve Edwards, said: "We are a people power movement that wants to get rid of the monarchy by rattling the gates of Buckingham Palace."

Similar anti-monarchy marches took place in Australia and Spain.

After the protest, police arrested nine people for minor public disorder offences.

The nine were being questioned at Charing Cross Police Station.

MA'M spokesman Andy Myson accused the police of brutality and "reneging on the deal to allow a peaceful demonstration".