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Prince William declared it an 'honour' to meet RAF veterans today at an event to commemorate the start of the pivotal Battle of Britain.   

The Duke of Cambridge heard tales from the biggest aerial conflict in British military history and was treated to an airshow made up of the historic fleet of Spitfires, Hurricanes and a Lancaster at RAF Conginsby.

The aircraft are from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which was set up 60th years ago by former Hurricane pilot Peter Thompson. 

Yesterday marks 77 years since the start of the battle, a divisive turning point in the Second World War. During the major campaign Churchill famously commended the brave RAF crews for fending off the Luftwaffe in a speech saying: 'Never was so much owed by so many to so few'.

Never forget: The Duke of Cambridge spent time with veterans of the Battle of Britain today at a memorial event

William shares a joke with veterans at RAF Coningsby today. The Duke is patron of the (BBMF), formed in 1957 by Group Captain Peter Thompson, a former Battle of Britain Hurricane pilot

Heroes: William, who completed his service with the RAF Search and Rescue Force at RAF Valley, Anglesey, is Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Coninsgby - the venue where he attended the reception and air display today 

People's prince: At one point during the reception, the Duke bent down to speak to a former RAF pilot in a wheelchair

The Duke of Cambridge speaks to WWII veterans at RAF Coningsby where he viewed the famous air display

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge talks to veteran George 'Johnny' Johnson during a visit to The Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight to mark it's 60th anniversary

Good turnout: Countdown star Carol Vorderman - who obtained a pilot's licence three years ago - also paid a visit to Lincolnshire today, posing in front of a Lancaster bomber

It was the first major campaign to be fought entirely by air forces, and the largest and most sustained aerial bombing campaign yet. Germany needed to control the English Channel to launch an invasion of Britain.

The RAF had 1,200 planes on the eve of battle, including 800 Spitfires and Hurricanes — but only 660 of these were serviceable. 

Prince William, 35, is patron of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), and spoke to veterans today.

Vernon Morgan, 95, a former Lancaster bomber pilot, who was based in Lincolnshire during WW2, said: 'William was a very nice chap. He spent time talking to everyone. He said it was an honour to be there and meet everyone. I thanked him for coming. It means a lot.

'I think a representative from the government should have been here though. This is such a significant event in our history that a minister should have come. But we're very grateful that William is here.'

TV presenter and qualified pilot Carol Vorderman - who is Ambassador for the Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Cadets - was also in attendance, and posed for a picture in front of a Lancaster bomber.

Group Captain Thompson began the flight with a Hurricane and three photo reconnaissance Spitfires. 

He set about collecting and preserving examples of the main aircraft involved in the conflict to honour the RAF's defence of the UK against German attacks at the end of 1940, having realised many were falling out of service. 

The BBMF now has 12 historic aircraft, including a Lancaster, a Dakota, six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, and two Chipmunks, which are used for training.

It has displayed at or flown past thousands of events as a living tribute to those who have served in the RAF.

William, who completed his service with the RAF Search and Rescue Force at RAF Valley, Anglesey, is Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Coninsgby - the venue where he attended the reception and air display today.  

The Duke speaks to Lancaster pilot Rusty Waughman during a reception where he watched an air display to mark the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's 60th anniversary

Flight lieutenant Russell 'Rusty' Waughman looked delighted to be chatting to the royal during the BBMF memorial today

Legacy: The BBMF, of which the Duke (third left) is patron, has displayed at or flown past thousands of events as a living tribute to those who have served in the RAF

One veteran reduced the Duke to fits of laughter as they chatted at the BBMF event today

Guest of honour: William, who completed his service with the RAF Search and Rescue Force at RAF Valley, Anglesey, is Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Coninsgby

According to onlookers, William was keen to chat to as many veterans as possible ahead of the spectacular air display

He joined veterans in front of the BBMF's aircraft for a group photo on the airfield.

Onlookers said the royal was keen to speak with as many veterans as possible, and one guest observed that he 'shook hands with the RAF Veterans, there was genuine warmth'.

Countdown star Carol Vorderman - who obtained a pilot's licence three years ago - also paid a visit to the Lincolnshire air base, posing in front of a Lancaster bomber in full uniform.

Crowds also heard from Station Commander. Group Captain Baulkwill, who gave a speech to assembled veterans, guests and their families.

A WWII Lancaster takes to the sky during the air display to mark the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's 60th anniversary.

Today's spectacular air display featuring a Lancaster, Spitfires and Hurricanes

Carol Vorderman, who is a qualified pilot and Ambassador for the Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Cadets, poses during a visit to RAF Coningsby