Eagle that got Charles in a f lap

AS an Army Air Corps mascot, it was only right that she wanted to show off her flying skills to her future commander-in-chief.

But Zephyr the bald eagle’s impromptu fly-past certainly took Prince Charles by surprise.

As she was being introduced to Charles yesterday, the four-year-old bird of prey stretched out her wings and attempted to take off just inches from his face.

A visibly startled Charles was forced to take evasive action, with an equally taken-aback Duchess of Cornwall looking on. Asked by photographers whether he would care to give the mascot of the 677 Squadron Army Air Corps a stroke, Charles replied: ‘You must be joking.’

The prince and his wife encountered the bird as they toured the 1 4th Sandringham Flower Show, held at the Queen’s Norfolk estate.

Charles is patron of the event, which attracts thousands of entrants and visitors each year, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity.

Flight or fright: A startled Charles is forced to lean backwards to avoid Zephyr’s wings as Camilla’s smile turns to a worried grimace

… taking Charles by surprise as she spreads her wings

… who promptly attempts to fly away …

Flying visit: The royal couple meet Zephyr the eagle