Prince William has received his RAF wings from his father the Prince of Wales at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

After more than 12 weeks training, the young royal became the fourth successive generation of the monarchy to become an RAF pilot.

Charles himself completed his flying training at Cranwell in August 1971 and graduated that year as a Flight Lieutenant, but over the years has been promoted and now holds the rank of Air Chief Marshal.

During the ceremony he shook the hand of each airman and shared a few words with them before posing briefly for a picture.

When William's turn came he was announced as Flying Officer William Wales and walked on to the stage, waiting a few moments before striding towards his father.

They smiled broadly at each other and shook hands but unlike the ceremony which saw Charles receive his wings, Velcro and not pins was used to attach the flying badge to William's RAF uniform.

William – an officer in the Household Cavalry regiment – has completed a “bespoke” shortened course that included time flying fast propeller-driven planes and helicopters.

It was designed to make him a competent but not operational flier as an RAF pilot would normally spend up to four years under instruction.

For more on Prince William getting his wings plus pictures, see Saturday's Lincolnshire Echo.