PARIS, France, Sept 5, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Two broken threads were observed on the Bayeux Tapestry after the centuries-old artefact was transported to London, but it was more or less "in the same state", France's culture minister said Friday.

It was transported to London in July in order to be displayed at the British Museum from next week until July next year.

"A break of two threads over a length of 70 metres of a tapestry was reported," Catherine Pegard told the RTL broadcaster.

"It was examined with particular care. It took a lot of time because the experts went over it centimetre by centimetre."

"So today, if we say it is in the same state after having arrived in London as it was when it left Bayeux, I think we're not very wrong," the minister added.

Depicting the 1066 Battle of Hastings and the invasion by William the Conqueror's Norman army, the tapestry is widely thought to have been made in England before being transferred to Bayeux in France.

It is believed to be the first time the fragile, 68-metre (224-foot) embroidered artwork has left France since then, and the first time it has been moved in over 40 years.

La Croix newspaper has reported that a thorough check by experts had confirmed "no major damage" in its initial findings.

They only noted "slight tears in two areas" of the linen canvas, the daily said.