THE Duke of York was given a biology lesson - and joked that it was the first one he truly understood - when he officially opened the Yorkshire Cancer Research (YCR) laboratory at the University of York.

The YCR Cancer Research Unit, led by Professor Norman Maitland and funded by the charity, has been operating for 15 months and is now a world-leading centre for research into prostate cancer.

Yesterday, as part of a busy schedule, the Duke unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of the laboratory.

He also chatted with researchers and charity volunteers to find out more about their work.

The Duke said: "What a pleasure it is to come here this afternoon to be given such an excellent biology lesson.

"I have to say it's the first biology lesson I really truly understood.

"I wish you every continued success, not only here in the laboratory, but also with Yorkshire Cancer Research. It's obviously a very dynamic organisation."

Professor Maitland said the Duke was bound to be interested in the research, not least because his father-in-law, Major Ronald Ferguson, died after suffering from prostate cancer.

He said: "He's a man in his mid-40s now. Everybody should be aware of the disease. A royal visit is wonderful recognition of that."

At the beginning of his schedule yesterday, the Duke visited RAF Linton-on-Ouse where he praised its role in training pilots for the recent Gulf conflict.

Dressed in full military uniform, Prince Andrew was in jovial mood as he met youngsters from the Linton Ladybirds Playgroup, before presenting 207 Reserve Squadron with a new standard.

In a speech to guests in a hangar at the base, he told the squadron: "I wish to say how proud we all are of the part you played in the Iraq conflict. The years ahead may come to test your loyalty, determination, ambition and courage. You must continue to train hard and work as part of the larger Royal Air Force team."

After the presentation of the standard and a march-past by the squadron, the Prince met service families and squadron veterans before visiting the officers' mess.

During the day the Duke also visited the new office complex at Monks Cross, York, and met York Minster staff when he popped into St William's College.

Updated: 10:51 Wednesday, November 26, 2003