Prince William Paints Shaun in Eye Dotting Ceremony

HRH The Duke of Cambridge - also known as Prince William - added his own mark to a Shaun sculpture at a special event to launch the first ever UK-China Year of Culture Exchange. The prince took part in a traditional 'eye dotting ceremony', adding a final touch to the Shaun which was designed by Creative Lead of Aardman Rights, Danny Heffer. The sculpture - named 'Shaun in Ewenion' - will join 49 other Shauns which will be on show across 5 cities in China.

It's the first official visit the Prince has made to China and his gesture echoes the auspicious ceremony of dotting the lion's eye in a traditional Chinese lion dance. This is thought to bring good fortune and happiness for the new year ahead, and is particularly fitting given that 2015 is the Year of the Sheep!

The Shaun the Sheep exhibition is part of Animate UK, a wider animation programme within the UK-China Year of Culture Exchange, which celebrates the best of UK animation. We think Prince William did a fantastic job of finishing off this colourful Shaun sculpture!

Don't forget, similar Shaun sculptures can be seen in London during the Shaun in the City Art Trail launching 28th March - find out more here.