A former punk turned professional magician was rubbing shoulders with Prince Charles at his Christmas party.

French illusionist Etienne Pradier, who lives in Wye, was invited to entertain at St James’s Palace for the annual bash.

The Magician of 26 years was accompanied by fellow comedian Laura London, who he appeared with on the ITV television show Penn and Teller - Fool Us.

The pair entertained guests of the Prince and staff of the palace with their unique styles of magic at the glitzy party in London last Wednesday.

Mr Pradier, 48, was first introduced to Prince Charles 12 years ago, after meeting his personal assistant at a party held by Peter and Catherine Kuhfeld, both well known-painters from Wye.

He said: “Laura and I were both punks in the 80s, and we were joking that we would never have thought we would be at a party with royalty back then.

"But I’ve done it so many times now that I know a few of the people, and I always have a good time.”

Mr Pradier, who has twice won the Magic Circle award, describes his approach as that of a crazy Frenchman, and that he likes to make sure that he leaves his audiences with a smile on their faces.

Laura London is one of the UK’s top female magicians, who particularly specialises in slight of hand card tricks.