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The Prince of Wales praises the RAF on the occasion of its 90th anniversary at RAF Cranwell

9th April 2008

The Prince of Wales has praised The Royal Air Force as "second to none" as he celebrated its 90th anniversary at a special dinner with The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince William.

Tomorrow, The Prince of Wales, who is Air Chief Marshal in the RAF, will present his son Prince William with his wings at a graduation ceremony.

Prince William has just completed a four month attachment with the Royal Air Force and has learnt to fly helicopters and training jets.

In a speech made last night at the service's spiritual home, RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, The Prince of Wales highlighted its past achievements and its present role "policing" the skies.

The Prince, who trained at the station and earned his RAF wings in 1971, made his comments at the base's prestigious College Hall.

Commenting on the many pictures of former pilots lining the building's corridors, he told the guests: "The many photos remind us that although the equipment is critical, it's the people of the Royal Air Force who made it what it was then, and indeed make it what it is today.

"It is their spirit of endeavour, your spirit of endeavour, and innovation that makes us all proud of the work of the Royal Air Force."

Other guests attending the dinner included Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy and RAF personnel from all ranks.

From the first use of artillery spotting balloons early in the 20th Century it was clear that air power was likely to have a significant impact on the conduct of future warfare.

But it was not until 1st April 1918 - when the Army's Royal Flying Corps and the Navy's Royal Naval Air Service combined - that the RAF was formed.

The Prince told the guests: "Over the 90 years we celebrate tonight the Royal Air Force has travelled a long way back to where it began.

"In the 1940s it fought counter insurgency operations in Mesopotamia and on the north west frontier of India.

"Today having played a central role in the battle of Britain, the Cold War and the Falklands (War) it is back fighting counter insurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan."

He added: "But throughout this impressive and wide ranging history the professionalism, commitment and bravery of you the men and women of the Royal Air Force has been plain for all to see."

The Prince and William were dressed in RAF "number 5 dress" of cropped jackets with black bow ties in the RAF's distinctive blue colour.

Prince William also wore The Queen's Golden Jubilee medal, given to him by his grandmother The Queen, and sat amongst his classmates who trained with him during his first few weeks at RAF Cranwell.

Earlier the dinner guests had gathered on the steps of the College Hall to watch The Queen's Colour Squadron from RAF Uxbridge in west London perform a short continuity drill that included 460 manoeuvres.

Later The Prince, an Air Chief Marshal, watched from a dais with Sir Glenn as a Sunset Ceremony was performed with the RAF Ensign being lowered.

The highlight of the event was a fly-past that featured a Spitfire then four Typhoon planes that roared overhead.