Prince William takes to skies at Battle of Britain memorial

Prince William took a flight in a Chipmunk aircraft

The Duke of Cambridge has flown with crew from RAF Coningsby as part of commemorations to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

William joined pilots, ground crew and families from 29 (Reserve) Squadron in Lincolnshire, which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The squadron trains Typhoon jet pilots, and the base is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

Prince William took to the skies in a Chipmunk as part of the event.

He had been due to fly in a Dakota belonging to the BBMF, but the aircraft had a problem with one of its engines.

Sqn Ldr Martin Morris explained: "It is a very old aircraft and we couldn't get one of the engines up to its full operating speed - so he got to fly in a Chipmunk instead."

He said about operating the BBMF's historic aircraft: "Anything to do with aviation has got to be safety related. If there is any doubt, there is no doubt."

Prince William flew with Sqn Ldr Duncan Mason, who is part of the BBMF

After his flight, piloted by Sqn Ldr Duncan Mason, Prince William joked: "For a beginner, he was alright."

The Chipmunk was joined in mid-air by a BBMF Spitfire.

Prince William's flight was accompanied by a Spitfire from the BBMF

The Duke is Honorary Air Commandant of the RAF base. During the visit he watched the 100th anniversary parade of 29 (Reserve) Squadron

Prince William watches a display as part of the commemorations

The Duke of Cambridge met Battle of Britain pilots Ken Wilkinson (left) and Tony Pickering during his visit

Sqn Ldr Morris said about the royal visit: "With it being the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain - a very special year - in many respects this is the icing on the cake.

"It is the acknowledgment and recognition of what the veterans did, as part of 'the few', during the Battle of Britain."

The BBMF is home to Spitfires and Hurricanes and one of only two airworthy Lancaster Bombers anywhere in the world

The Battle of Britain was the German air force's attempt to gain air superiority over the RAF.

Their ultimate failure was one of the turning points of the Second World War and prevented Germany from invading Britain.