The ongoing dispute over the Elgin Marbles took a new turn as King Charles wore a Greek flag tie at the COP28 climate summit. The move raised eyebrows and added fuel to the already heated debate surrounding the ancient sculptures.
Rishi Sunak denies "hissy fit" over Elgin Marbles row
Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, denied accusations of throwing a "hissy fit" in response to the Elgin Marbles row. Last week's planned meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was canceled amid escalating tensions. Sunak reiterated the UK government's stance that the Marbles cannot be returned, citing the British Museum's requirement for acknowledging the lawful ownership of the lending country.
King Charles makes a statement with his choice of tie
Adding to the controversy, King Charles addressed the COP28 summit in Dubai wearing a blue-and-white Greek flag tie. This move, particularly significant as his late father Prince Philip was Greek, further intensified the debate surrounding the return of the Elgin Marbles.
Speculation grows as British Museum chair hints at a potential deal
Speculation surrounding the possible return of the Marbles increased when British Museum chair and former Tory Chancellor George Osborne suggested that a deal could be "fifty-fifty." However, Number 10 has stated that there are currently no plans to change the law regarding the permanent return of the sculptures.
