High-flying Prince William was handed his “wings” by Prince Charles at a special passing out ceremony in Shropshire – watched by girlfriend Kate Middleton.

It was a right royal affair at RAF Shawbury on Friday, with the Duchess of Cornwall also going along to see the second in line to the throne graduate.

In his speech, Prince Charles said: “We owe a great debt of gratitude to those joining this country’s very special armed forces.”

He also joked flying instructors could rest easy now they had finished training royalty at the base.

Prince Charles and Camilla had flown into the airbase by helicopter just after noon.

The heir to the throne also presented airbase personnel with a mixture of long service awards and also presented RAF Shawbury with a Firmin Sword, which was presented for the airbase’s community, charity and humanitarian work.

The 27-year-old future king then joined other royals, fellow graduates and airbase personnel for a private reception.

Prince William, known as Flight Lieutenant Wales, has spent 12 months training at the Shropshire base as he bids to become a qualified RAF search and rescue pilot.

In a statement, he previously said he was “pleased” with his graduation success, but faces at least six more months of training before being fully qualified.

He is due to move to RAF Valley on Anglesey, where he is set to take on an RAF Search and Rescue Conversion Course which will teach him to pilot distinctive Sea King helicopters.