A NORTH Yorkshire pub which played host to royalty last weekend has seen its trade rise by 20 per cent after it gained national media exposure.

Brian and Elaine Rey, who run the Ship Inn at Aldborough, welcomed Princes William and Harry for three hours as part of a group of 16.

The brothers were in the village for a friend’s wedding, which was also attended by William’s fiancée, Kate Middleton.

The future king tucked into a cottage pie and a Coke while his brother, who joined the party after lunch, chose a pint of cider.

“The regulars were amazed and chuffed silly,” said Brian, who has since appeared in national newspapers and, for security reasons, did not know his pub was expecting special guests until ten minutes before they arrived.

“Word spread like wildfire and our takings were up by 20 per cent on Saturday.”