Earlier this week,Sunak abruptly cancelled a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis after his counterpart repeated calls for the Parthenon sculptures – known in Britain as the Elgin Marbles – to be returned to Athens.
Two centuries after they were taken from the ruins of the Parthenon by Lord Elgin,the treasures are considered among the greatest in the British Museum.
Housed in a dedicated room,the sculptures of Olympian gods and goddesses,and centaurs and warriors,are unmatched examples of the artistry and ambition of 5th century BC Athens.
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Disagreement over ownership of the sculptures has been a long-running feud between the countries.
It was unclear whether the King,whose late father,Prince Philip,was born into the Greek royal family,was trying to make any statements. “The tie His Majesty was wearing today is simply one of his current collection,” a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace toldBloomberg.
He wore the same tie when South Korean President Yook Suk Yeol visited London last week. The accessory was made by Athens-based necktie maker Pagoni,according to an article inGreek City Times.