Prince William has been enjoying a drink with friends in a Shropshire pub.

Customers said the prince, who is training at RAF Shawbury, seemed happy and relaxed as he spent time drinking at the Armoury in Shrewsbury last night.

He was wearing beige chinos and a navy blue jumper with a white shirt and was seen chatting with a small group of friends.

A few people who tried to sneak photographs of William on their mobile phones were stopped by plain clothed security staff. William was drinking pints of lager for about two hours.

Karen Mattinson, 36, of The Mount, Shrewsbury, was celebrating a friend’s 40th birthday. The group of friends was drinking in nearby Franks when they received a text from a friend telling them Prince William was in The Armoury, so they popped in to see.

Mrs Mattinson said: “I was surprised at just how relaxed he was.

“There were no obvious bodyguards around him and he was with three or four friends. Everyone just left them alone, really.”

Another customer said: “I am glad the people of Shrewsbury left him alone. In the nicest possible way, he was ignored.

“At one point I was walking with a beer and he was in my line. I presume it was a bodyguard who said ‘excuse me’ and then the prince turned and motioned as if to say he was sorry he was in my way.”

Ed Crosland, 28, from Shrewsbury, said: “I walked past him and said hello. He was polite and seemed like a thoroughly nice chap.”