Performance for the HM The Queen

A champion magician held one of his greatest performances as he enthralled the Queen at her private Christmas party.

Chris Priest, of Longleat Drive, was invited to entertain members of Her Majesty’s household staff at their annual festive celebrations last month.

The 46-year-old, who has been a professional magician for over 17 years, has travelled the world performing his tricks to wide-eyed audiences, but said his greatest privilege was showing the Queen his rising card trick.

Chris, who is self-taught, said:” It was a fantastic experience; it was such a great honour for me and will take some beating.

“I even spoke to the Queen, she came over to me and said good evening and then we chatted about the Christmas tree.”

He added: “The palace was amazing and we were allowed the complete run of the building. I’ve never seen chandeliers like the ones there.”

As well as entertaining invited guests from Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle with his card, coin, rings and money tricks, the former Hillcrest pupil also entranced Prince Phillip and Princess Anne during the evening.

However the occasion was not the first time Chris has rubbed shoulders with royalty, after twice enthralling Prince Michael of Kent. The Prince was so impressed by Chris at the first meeting that he was personally invited to perform at the Royal’s private birthday party at Kensington Palace a few years ago.