PRINCE William surprised 1,500 people at the Glasgow 2014 wrap party by turning up to thank them ­personally for delivering the "best ever" Commonwealth Games.

The guest of honour, whose visit had not been announced for security reasons, spent two days last week enjoying the event with his wife Kate and brother Prince Harry. He told staff it had been a huge honour to join them in celebrating a "job well done" in Glasgow's Merchant Square.

William, who is known as the Earl of Strathearn when in Scotland, said the royal trio had been struck by the city's People Make Glasgow slogan, adding: "You epitomise that slogan in the way that you ran the Games - with professionalism and great care, allowing the Games' friendliness to shine through.

"These were undoubtedly the best ever Commonwealth Games in history and you guys made it that way. You have helped to deliver a triumph."

He said their efforts had meant an "awful lot" to his grandmother, the Queen, head of the Commonwealth.

Picture: PA