The son of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour appeared in court Friday to face charges that he was involved in an attack on a royal convoy of cars during violent student protests.

Charlie Gilmour, 21, allegedly took part in a mob attack on a convoy of cars accompanying a limo carrying Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, as they drove through a busy London street amid a student protest that turned violent.

He was among thousands of students who crowded London's streets on Dec. 9 to protest rising university tuition fees. Although most student protesters marched peacefully, some clashed with police and others breaking away from the main demonstration descended upon the royal convoy at Regent Street.

A group of protesters crowded around the Rolls-Royce carrying Prince Charles and Camilla, forcing it to a halt and hitting it with sticks and bottles. Critics called the attack one of the worst royal security breaches in recent years. The royal couple were unharmed, but appeared visibly shaken afterward.

Prosecutor Simon Clements said Gilmour allegedly sat on the bonnet of a car carrying royal protection officers, and threw a garbage can at the convoy cars.