Kate takes a seat next to Wolverhampton star Kristian Thomas

Star Wolverhampton gymnast Kristian Thomas was the envy of the world after watching his team-mates compete alongside Kate Middleton.

And his parents today revealed the future Queen had asked to sit by him. The down-to-earth athlete sent a text to his parents Peter and Catherine at home in Wednesfield telling them he had been asked to keep the seat next to him free for Prince William's wife.

Heating engineer Peter, from Wednesfield, said: "We told him it was just a prank and to take no notice."

But they found out it was no joke when they were watching the gymnastics on television and saw their son sitting next to Kate.

Mr Thomas said: "I was flabbergasted. That was right up there with his other achievements during the Olympics as far as I am concerned."