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Amal Alamuddin arrived in Athens with husband George Clooney today to advise the Greek government on how to repatriate the ancient Elgin Marbles statues from Britain.
The collection of sculptures, inscriptions and architectural features were acquired by Lord Elgin in 1816, while Athens was under the control of the Ottoman Empire. They are currently on display at the British Museum, despite Greece’s repeated request to have them returned.
Alamuddin – who married Clooney in Venice last month – will meet Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and Culture Minister Konstantinos Tasoulas, as well as her boss, Geoffrey Robertson.
“Mr Robertson and Mrs Clooney were first asked to provide legal advice to the Greek government on this matter in 2011. They will be holding a series of meetings with government officials during their stay,” Doughty Street chambers said in a statement.
The couple will remain in the country from today until 16 October.
