Mission accomplished! KING & QUEEN'S FRENCH CONNECTION

Charles and Camilla strengthen bonds with their neighbours

- Judy Kean

Quel triomphe! The King and Queen's first state visit to France only lasted three days but was hailed as a huge success.

His Majesty became the first British Monarch to address the French senate and his historic speech was so warmly received, he was given two rapturous standing ovations by the politicians.

Meanwhile, Camilla won over the fashion-conscious French by choosing to wear an outfit by local couturier Dior for one event, and displaying her sense of fun by taking on the President's wife Brigitte Macron, 70, in a game of table tennis.

The King and Queen also impressed staff at a Parisian craft centre, jointly run by Chanel and the Prince's Foundation, which was set up by Charles, 74.

They both tried their hand at crafts with Camilla, 76, joking that weaving was "obviously my next job" after having a go with a loom.

The creative director of a manufacturer that teaches traditional crafts described the King as "visionary" for setting up the foundation in the 1970s. He added, "He's not snobbish... he took time with the students and was very open-minded. He's a man of today." The King described the welcome to France as "magnifique".

He and Camilla packed in 22 engagements in three days, including an official welcome by President Emmanuel Macron, 45, and wreath-laying ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe. On the way there, they brought Paris to a standstill as crowds lined the roads to see them.