It was billed as a royal meet and greet, peppered with, champagne, caviar and celebrity VIPs. And Telford MD Damian Brockway realised one of his lifelong ambitions, meeting Prince Charles.

The Virgin Balloon Flights boss was there for the grand reopening of jewel in the British crown Clarence House on October 20 and had the chance to snatch a few words with the prince.

“I was deeply humbled and honoured, not to mention surprised, to have met him!” Mr Brockway said.

“He was a very nice man and I seized the opportunity to talk to him about ballooning.”

“He was incredibly welcoming and it felt good to tell him how proud I am of what this company has achieved over the years.”

The prince even recalled spotting Virgin balloons flying over his land at Highgrove and expressed a keen interest in the sport.

“I did ask him if he and his sons would like to join us for a flight some time and he thanked me for the offer.”

“It would be amazing to fly in a balloon with the future King of England!”