Thousands of people who had travelled across the world amassed in Runnymede to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Great Charter “Magna Carta”. The Queen joined by top officials reminisced the victory of the rebellious barons against King John of England at Runnymede. This Charter was first drafted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and laid a firm foundation for Parliamentary Democracy, Human rights and swift justice. This Charter was reissued after John’s death as both the parties overdid their commitments. Eight centuries later “Runnymede is an ancient and resonant meeting place and it is fitting that we should assemble again here where the Great Charter was sealed 800 years ago”, said the 89 year old queen in a written message. Her Majesty unveiled a plaque and the Prime Minister was called upon to address the crowd where he said “Magna Carta’s remaining copies may be faded but its principles shine brighter than ever.” He promised to safeguard the legacy, the idea and the accomplishment of those barons. Four copies of the Charter still exist, two in the British library and one each in Lincon and Salisbury Cathedrals. Invitees like Allan Hograth, Amnesty International UK’s head of policy and government affairs, US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, ABA president William Hubbard, Conservative MP Jacob Rees Mogg, Prince Phillip, Prince William gathered to grace the occasion. A four-metre bronze statue of the Queen in full garter attire, gifted by the company Magna Carta Legacy Ltd was unveiled on Sunday despite public objections. The show wrapped up with a unique flypast, Typhoon and spitfire ascribing the present defence strategies with the ones that were used 75years ago.
