VIDEO: Prince William makes flying visit to RAF Coningsby and BBMF

The Duke of Cambridge, Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Coningsby, was at the station to observe the 100th Anniversary Parade of 29 (Reserve) Squadron.

The air base is also home to the famous Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, of which The Duke is Patron.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the display team has taken part in a number of fly-pasts and displays across the UK, remembering not just the pilots of the Battle of Britain, but all RAF personnel who have given their lives to guard UK shores.

In welcoming Prince William, Air Marshall Sir Ian MacFadyen described his visit as a ‘real privilege’.

During lunch in the BBMF hangar, the Prince met a selection of personnel, display team engineers and veterans.

Ken Wilkinson, 97, said: “William’s grandfather has come to a great number of functions, his father Charles has entertained us on many occasions, and now Prince William is here.”

Retired squadron leader Tony Pickering, 94, who flew Spitfires and Hurricanes, said: “He is very friendly.

“I have met him before and we always get on well together. It’s as if we have known each other for years.”

The Prince was then expected to fly over Lincolnshire in a Dakota, but due to a technical issue this had to be swapped for a Chipmunk, piloted by Squadron Leader and commanding officer of the flight Dunc Mason.

The 29(R) Squadron instructs both new pilots and pilots experienced on other platforms how to operate the Typhoon aircraft which is based at Coningsby.

And the Prince ended his tour with a visit to RAF Coningsby’s Quick Reaction Alert station.

The Duke is well known to Lincolnshire having trained at RAF Cranwell.

His brother Prince Harry has also recently met the BBMF team during a display at Goodwood.

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