Britain’s Prince William unveiled a piece of art commemorating 800 years since the Magna Carta was signed yesterday (15.06.15).
The 32-year-old prince was met by artist Hew Locke to view The Jurors, a sculpture which represents the 12 seats of the jury and is inspired by clause 39 of the historic document – which first protected the rights and freedoms of society and established that the king was subject to the law – and listened to speeches from 11 actors before joining them in the 12th chair, then unveiling a commemorative plaque.
Fashion student Naz Ahmed was among those seated on the installation and was delighted to take part.
He said: "It’s amazing, it’s not everyday you can go and be part of a performance that Prince William attended."
William was then escorted back to the main stage at Runnymede, Surrey, England, to join church and government representatives, and family members including his grandparents Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and aunt Princess Anne, for a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the document.
The queen did not give a speech at the event, but she did unveil a plaque at the service – which was held where King John signed the document in 1215 – and wrote in the programme that the Magna Carta’s principles were "significant and enduring".
Later in the service, Anne re-dedicated the American Bar Association memorial, which was erected at the site in 1957
Attorney General Philip Hammond MP said: "For those who drafted the US constitution, the significance of Magna Carta was clear.
"We are working with partners in the US and around the world to pursue nations who deny human dignity."
Also during the celebration, Prime Minister David Cameron and Lord Dyson the Master of the Rolls, gave speeches, and the Red Arrows soared over the meadow at 12.15pm.
Prince William unveils Magna Carta art
