As future commander-in-chief of the British armed forces, he will come to learn plenty about the workings of the RAF.

Prince George yesterday got a glorious head start, as he used a picture book to swot up on the 29 aircraft flying over Buckingham Palace in honour of his great-grandmother’s birthday.

The Prince, who will turn four next month, and his sister Princess Charlotte appeared transfixed by the flypast, as they made their now-annual appearance on the palace balcony to wave to assembled Trooping the Colour crowds.