Prince William and his friends were given a discount on their most expensive main course and free chocolate fudge cake after they were kept waiting at a Shropshire restaurant.

The 26-year-old, who is second in line to the throne, was with a group celebrating a friend’s birthday last night at Pizza Express in Mardol, Shrewsbury.

But when the prince and his party declared their displeasure at being kept waiting nearly an hour for their food, the restaurant offered the gesture of goodwill.

Supervisor Chris Leoci said because he was from Italy he did not realise the prince was eating there. However, he said it soon became apparent after customers spotted they were in the company of royalty.

Mr Leoci said the prince, who is stationed at RAF Shawbury as part of his training as a search and rescue helicopter pilot, arrived with the group at about 6.50pm dining at the busy restaurant for about two-and-a-half hours.

“He was here with a group of 12 friends just sitting chatting normally,” said Mr Leoci “He was noticed by the girls – especially the girls – who were saying: ‘Look.’ 

“I didn’t recognise him from the beginning because I am not English and I don’t really see him on TV but everyone was focusing on him.

“They had a discount because they were waiting quite a lot for food so I gave them all desserts, all chocolate fudge cake, for free.” 

Mr Leoci said the friends were disappointed they had to wait but were pleased when they received the discount.