8 JUNE 2005

The Duchess of Cornwall got a chance to share her husband's passion for exotic cultures when the recently-married couple attended the premiere of a new Bollywood movie. She and Charles received a vibrant welcome as they arrived for the charity screening of Mystic India and were both presented with garlands of bright flowers.

Camilla bowed her head and made a traditional "namaste" greeting by placing her hands together as a necklace of blue, orange and white chrysanthemums was placed around her neck. And her husband, looking dapper in a tuxedo, repeated the gesture when he bowed his head to receive an identical garland.

Things got a little trickier when ten-year-old Mitul Patel stepped forward to give each of the royal visitors a good luck charm. Struggling to attach a red string bracelet to the future king's wrist, the youngster complained: "I can't see." He soon completed his task, however, leading Charles to joke: "Don't tie it too tight or the blood won't get through."

Seven-year-old Krupa Patel, who was given the job of presenting a red rose to Camilla, could barely contain her excitement. As soon as she had handed over the flower the little girl threw her arms around the royal guest and gave her a big hug too.

Charles and Camilla were also treated to displays of traditional dancing and music prior to the screening at the British Science Museum's enormous IMAX cinema. The movie, which tells the story of a young boy who walked 8,000 miles across India, was projected onto a screen the height of four double-decker buses.

The Duchess bows her head to receive a colourful garland of chrysanthemums

Little Krupa Patel decided Camilla deserved more than just a floral tribute so she gave her a big hug too