Britain's Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee barge will star in a "spectacular" river pageant to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II

The boat, named the Gloriana, will take pride of place in the flotilla of around 200 vessels in June as they undertake a two-day journey down the River Thames from Hurley in Berkshire to Runnymede, Surrey, the exact site where the iconic document was sealed.

Windsor and Maidenhead councillor Eileen Quick said: "I am so excited that this wonderful row barge will be part of these spectacular once-in-a-lifetime celebrations."

Along with the boat - which cost around £1 million to make - a copy of the Magna Carta will also be at the forefront of the procession and will be transported downstream with the flotilla, reports BBC News.

Actors will also be brought in to tell the story of the script - which set out laws defining basic human rights during the reign of King John in 1215.

The public have been invited to join the pageant, which will take place on June 13 and 14 and can apply to enter their own boats in the flotilla from until 28 February.


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