The Duke of York officially opened the new London headquarters of global insurance broker the Willis Group yesterday.

More than 1,500 people, including Lloyd's chairman Peter Levene and Joe Plumeri, chairman and chief executive officer of the Willis Group attended.

The 28-storey building, situated opposite the Lloyd's of London headquarters in Lime Street, is the fourth largest skyscraper in the City.

The Duke of York said: "It is a pleasure to be here today in recognition of how important the insurance industry is to the UK as part of the financial services sector. Broking and underwriting go hand-in-hand and the synergies between Willis and Lloyd's are very clear. I also commend the great teamwork and inspirational leadership of both organisations."

Lord Levene, who has stated that climate change is the biggest challenge facing the insurance industry, said: "Whatever the future brings, one thing is very clear. As London faces up to the challenges ahead and embraces new opportunities, insurance brokers have huge potential to influence and to drive the change we need. As one of London's - and the world's - largest and most forward-looking intermediaries, the leadership of Willis will continue to be critical to this process."

Designed by Foster and Partners, the Willis building won the 2007 New City Architecture Award. The building also exceeds several environmental standards.