All smiles as Wills receives his wings

It was smiles all round as Shropshire played host to a major milestone in the life of the future king.

Prince William was awarded his flying badge - or "wings" - by the Prince of Wales as he graduated from RAF Shawbury at a ceremony yesterday.

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And it was very much a family affair for the father and son princes, who were joined at the airbase by the women in their lives.

The Duchess of Cornwall arrived by helicopter with Prince Charles.

And a beaming Kate Middleton stood and applauded as Prince William collected his badge and certificate later on.

The visit of the Royals made the day extra special for a further 16 graduates who also collected their badges with proud friends and family looking on.

Prince Charles told graduates that flying helicopters "requires great concentration and courage".

He added: "We all know how hard our sons have worked. We owe a great debt of gratitude to those joining this country's very special armed forces."

The heir to the throne also reminisced about his own flying training some 40 years ago and joked that RAF Shawbury instructors could rest easy now they no longer had to train royalty.

The ceremony marked the end of a successful year in Shropshire for 27-year-old Prince William, who has now moved one step closer to becoming an RAF search and rescue pilot having completed an advanced helicopter training course.

This month the prince will move to RAF Valley on Anglesey where he will be taught to fly Sea King helicopters - as flown by the Duke of York in the Falklands conflict.

After honing his skills in Shropshire, Prince William is expected to become an operational pilot next year.

Prince Charles also presented about 20 airbase personnel with long service and operational medals.

He presented station commander Group Captain Bun- ny James with the Firmin Sword in recognition of the base's charity, community and humanitarian work.

By Tom Johannsen