Prince William and Kate Middleton have made a rare public appearance together after he was awarded his pilot's wings by the Prince of Wales.

The graduation ceremony at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire comes after Prince William learnt to fly during a four-month attachment with the RAF. Around 25 graduates from the RAF's Central Flying School also received their insignias.

This is Miss Middleton's first appearance with the Prince at a major official event since the young royal - a serving officer in the British Army - graduated from Sandhurst in December 2006.

Misss Middleton, wearing a cream coat-dress, was widely expected to miss the ceremony in a bid to keep the spotlight off their relationship.

Prince Charles had his own of his own flying lessons at RAF Cranwell in 1971, where he qualified as a Flight Lieutenant.

The RAF is planning an aircraft display that will include a Chipmunk T10 trainer plane he learnt to fly.

William is an officer in the Household Cavalry regiment and later this year he will spend time with the Navy.

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