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Royals attending Magna Carta commemorations Queen attending Magna Carta commemorations
(35 minutes later)
The Duke of Cambridge has arrived at an event marking the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. The Queen and other senior royals are attending an event marking the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta.
The ceremony at Runnymede in Surrey, close to the River Thames, is where King John of England sealed the original document in 1215.The ceremony at Runnymede in Surrey, close to the River Thames, is where King John of England sealed the original document in 1215.
The charter first protected the rights and freedoms of society as well as establishing that the King was subject to the law rather than being above it.The charter first protected the rights and freedoms of society as well as establishing that the King was subject to the law rather than being above it.
The Queen and other members of the Royal Family will arrive soon. Prime Minister David Cameron is also attending the event.
The Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, as well as Prime Minister David Cameron, will attend. He told the audience the document went on to "change the world".
It would "alter forever the balance of power between the governed and the government", the prime minister said.
Follow live coverage of the event here.Follow live coverage of the event here.
Why is Magna Carta so important?Why is Magna Carta so important?
By Clive Coleman, BBC legal correspondentBy Clive Coleman, BBC legal correspondent
"Does Magna Carta mean nothing to you? Did she die in vain?" asked an exasperated Tony Hancock playing the jury foreman in an episode of his famous Half Hour."Does Magna Carta mean nothing to you? Did she die in vain?" asked an exasperated Tony Hancock playing the jury foreman in an episode of his famous Half Hour.
Clearly not. Far from dying, Magna Carta has had a life longer, fuller and more influential than the most optimistic medieval baron could have imagined.Clearly not. Far from dying, Magna Carta has had a life longer, fuller and more influential than the most optimistic medieval baron could have imagined.
But why is a charter from 1215 which was declared null and void by the Pope within weeks of being written, which doesn't mention "trial by jury" or "habeas corpus" (the right not to be held indefinitely without trial) and which forbids any woman from accusing a man of murder or manslaughter, seen as the foundation of our liberties and our law?But why is a charter from 1215 which was declared null and void by the Pope within weeks of being written, which doesn't mention "trial by jury" or "habeas corpus" (the right not to be held indefinitely without trial) and which forbids any woman from accusing a man of murder or manslaughter, seen as the foundation of our liberties and our law?
At its heart is the idea that the law is not simply the whim of the king, or the government. It is the great egalitarian legacy of Magna Carta, that all are equal under the law, and all can be held to account.At its heart is the idea that the law is not simply the whim of the king, or the government. It is the great egalitarian legacy of Magna Carta, that all are equal under the law, and all can be held to account.
It is that idea that gave birth to so many of our rights and freedoms, to parliamentary democracy, fair trial, and a series of controls on the abuse of arbitrary power.It is that idea that gave birth to so many of our rights and freedoms, to parliamentary democracy, fair trial, and a series of controls on the abuse of arbitrary power.
The duke was shown a new art installation commissioned for the anniversary in the meadows. Mr Cameron added the document had inspired countries across the world.
He said: "Why do people set such store by Magna Carta?
"Because they look to history. They see how the great charter shaped the world, for the best part of a millennium, helping to promote arguments for justice and for freedom."
Earlier, the Duke of Cambridge was shown a new art installation commissioned for the anniversary.
The work, called The Jurors, is inspired by the 39th clause of Magna Carta, which gives the right to a jury trial.The work, called The Jurors, is inspired by the 39th clause of Magna Carta, which gives the right to a jury trial.
Artist Hew Locke said it was a "great honour" to be chosen to produce the piece.Artist Hew Locke said it was a "great honour" to be chosen to produce the piece.
There will also be a rededication of the American Bar Association's Magna Carta Memorial.There will also be a rededication of the American Bar Association's Magna Carta Memorial.
A replica of the Great Charter began its journey down the Thames on Saturday as part of the commemorations.A replica of the Great Charter began its journey down the Thames on Saturday as part of the commemorations.
The Royal Barge Gloriana has led 200 boats from Hurley in Berkshire and is due to arrive at Runnymede on Monday.The Royal Barge Gloriana has led 200 boats from Hurley in Berkshire and is due to arrive at Runnymede on Monday.
There are just four known copies of the original Magna Carta in existence today, from an estimated 13 that were made.There are just four known copies of the original Magna Carta in existence today, from an estimated 13 that were made.
Two are held by the British Library, with Salisbury Cathedral and Lincoln Cathedral holding the others.Two are held by the British Library, with Salisbury Cathedral and Lincoln Cathedral holding the others.
What was Magna Carta?What was Magna Carta?
BBC iWonder - How did a peace treaty from 1215 forge the freedoms of 2015?BBC iWonder - How did a peace treaty from 1215 forge the freedoms of 2015?
Are you attending the ceremony? You can share your experience and photos by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.Are you attending the ceremony? You can share your experience and photos by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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