British police say two men have scaled Buckingham Palace in an apparent protest over fathers' rights.

London's Metropolitan Police force said officers were called Sunday afternoon to reports of a protest at the Queen's Gallery, part of the royal residence.

Police said "two males were found to have climbed on to the roof of the entrance." They were still there several hours later, and police said they were speaking to the men.

Queen Elizabeth II was not believed to be staying at the London palace Sunday.

Britain's Press Association news agency said the men, Martin Matthews and Bobby Smith, are calling for more rights for fathers in divorce and separation cases.

Protest group Fathers 4 Justice said it was not behind the stunt, which it blamed on a copycat group.