The Duchess of Cornwall is patron of the charity in the UK

Camilla became patron of the Emmaus charity in the UK in August.

The charity offers homeless people a place to stay and work, with each Emmaus community aiming to be self-sufficient.

Terry Waite, Emmaus President, guided Camilla around the workshops where residents refurbish donated goods to sell in their own shop.

Emmaus companions can quit the centre at any time - and return at any time, so long as there is a vacancy.

I've loved seeing around the centre and seeing what your doing Duchess of Cornwall

Camilla met Chris Adams, a resident at the centre for the last two years.

Mr Adams, 27, originally from Swindon, had been homeless from 16-25 before he was taken in by Emmaus.

He said: "I hate to think what would have happened to me if I hadn't found Emmaus.

"They help you get your life back together and help get back into the work routine."

'Bare floor'

It is hoped Emmaus centres will eventually operate in all big cities across the country.

Terry Waite, who was held hostage in Beirut from 1987 to 1991, said: "I know what it is like to have nothing, to be kicked around on a bare floor, to have no rights.

"I've spent Christmas alone several times in a cell, and I know how hard it is to get your life back together after something like that."

Camilla said: "I've loved seeing around the centre and seeing what you're doing and I've been very impressed with what I've seen."

Emmaus was founded in Paris shortly after the Second World War by a Catholic priest outraged at the number of homeless people living rough in the French capital.

The organisation first came to the UK in 1992.