King Charles III was left speechless by Steven Frayne’s jaw-dropping magic as he turned newspaper into £20 notes during the monarch’s visit to celebrate Bradford status as the UK City of Culture on Thursday.
Bradford-born Frayne the 76-year-old King in awe with his unforgettable performance at the start of the King and Queen Camilla’s tour of the Yorkshire city.
The magician, who now goes by his real name, Stephen Frayne, also reminded the monarch that they were both members of the upper tier of the Magic Circle as he thanked the royal for giving him his first break.
The pair met in Frayne’s home city of Bradford, where the media personality received a loan in 2003, from the-then Prince’s Trust (now know as the King’s Trust). The loan enabled him to start his own business.
Dynamo’s first mind-blowing trick saw him turn newspaper cuttings into bank notes.
‘Here’s something I’ve been working on. I’ve got some newspaper clippings but I’ve been trying to take any bad news and turn it into good news so that’s one way to do it,’ he said.
Passing Charles the bank notes – which bore his face – he asked him: “You can confirm that is legal tender?”
Looking at the notes, the King said: “Yes, I presume it is.”
Cleverly twirling a deck of cards, much to Charles’ amazement, a group of volunteers was each asked to chose a card, including the King.
The monarch’s was, appropriately, the King of Hearts. The magician then went on to correctly guess the King’s choice.
The King’s final engagement of the day was visiting Cartwright Hall, an art gallery and community cultural space in Lister Park which has a David Hockney gallery, dedicated to the life and career of the Bradford-born artist.
Prince William and harry’s father also spent times with local people involved in grassroots cultural activities and community groups in the city. He also enjoyed a stunning performance by the Bantam of the Opera choir. He was surprised by a hug from 15-year-old Florence McGrellis from Titus Salt School, who has Down Syndrome and is a hugely keen singer and dancer.
‘I’m a hugger,’ she said when asked why she did. The King returned the gesture, prompting her to say: “He’s a good hugger too!”
