Prince William today described the thrill of flying solo for the first time as he got to grips with an intensive RAF course.

The young royal took to the air by himself yesterday after his instructor said he was ready - much to the surprise of the Prince.

After his initial training, the Prince will move to 1 Flying Training School at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire, where he will get to grips with the faster Tucano T1 plane.

However as he prepares to head to the region, William, 25, piloted a light aircraft around an airfield at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire where he is stationed with 1 Squadron of 1 Elementary Flying Training School.

He is fulfilling a long-held ambition and following in the footsteps of his father, the Prince of Wales, who earned his wings more than 35 years ago.

William, who was only eight days into his flying course when allowed to fly solo, said: "The course is going really well.

"It's been a bit frustrating with the weather but considering the short space of time I've had here, it's quite nice to go up as much as we have."

The Prince described flying on his own as one of life's great experiences.

"Going solo is one of those things - if you had a list of the top 50 things to do before you die, it would be in there," he said.