King Charles visits the Bayeux Tapestry ahead of new exhibition

King Charles says the Bayeux Tapestry is the "best possible symbol" of the closeness between the UK and France.

The medieval artwork - which illustrates the famous Battle of Hastings of 1066 - will be on display at the British Museum from next week.

It's the first time it has returned to the UK in more than 900 years.

"The tapestry's story is one of ambition and uncertainty, of oaths and journeys, of ships, councils, kings, comets and consequences," said the King.

"Yet it is not merely an English story, nor only a Norman one. Indeed, from the moment of its creation, it may have brought together our two peoples."

The Bayeux Tapestry is a nearly 70-metre-long embroidery which tells the story of the events leading up to the Norman invasion of Britain, which led to the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066.

The well-known battle saw William The Conqueror take the English throne from Harold Godwinson, becoming the first Norman king of England.

The King said he was a direct descendant of William, Duke of Normandy and said the tapestry "tells the story of the beginning of what I like to think of as the French side of my family's history in these islands."

He added that he thinks the figures shown in the tapestry would be delighted to see the togetherness between France and the UK.

Most historians believe the tapestry was made in England and it's thought English women could have been involved - their needlework was still were admired across Europe at that time.

Usually the Bayeux Tapestry is found at the Bayeux Museum in the northern French region of Normandy.

It has been loaned to the British Museum in London until July, when it will make the journey back to France.