PRINCE Michael of Kent is to become Patron of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust.

The Trust maintains the national memorial at Capel to those who fought in the Battle of Britain.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon, president of the Trust, said: "We are greatly honoured that His Royal Highness has accepted the invitation to become our Patron.

“Our role is to maintain the memorial at Capel and to ensure that the heroism of men and women in 1940, at a time when Britain was threatened with invasion, is never forgotten.

“Prince Michael was the guest of honour at our annual Memorial Day in 2003 and he showed much interest in our work.”

At the same time, Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, the former Chief of the Air Staff, has agreed to become a Vice President of the Memorial Trust.

Sir Peter won his DFC commanding the Harriers of No 1 Squadron in the Falklands campaign of 1982. No 1 Squadron also saw action in the Battle of Britain when it was equipped with Hurricanes.

The memorial was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 1993.