A Wye magician had a royal flush when he found out Prince William is to wed next year.

For, just hours before today's announcement of the royal engagement, Etienne Pradier was playing card tricks in front of the heir to the throne.

Etienne, who has performed magic tricks for the royals on several occasions - including a Christmas party at Highgrove - dazzled the prince at Windsor Castle last night with his sleight of hand.

Speaking to kmfm's Katie Lamborn today, Etienne said he was "overjoyed" at the great news.

He hoped there was a chance he would be invited to perform magic at the heir's wedding to Kate Middleton next year.

Etienne said he knew nothing of the royal announcement last night, as he performed for one of Prince William's favourite children's charities.

He described the prince as "a nice, sensible man - a lot of people appreciate him."

Audio: Magician Etienne Pradier's reaction to the royal announcement

And he would be delighted to congratulate the groom-to-be if he meets him soon.

Etienne added: "I would say 'well done. Congratulations!' If I knew about this yesterday I would have made a few magic tricks on the back of that."

Etienne told of a trick last night in which he took a friend of William's watch from him and gave it to the prince.