An aerodrome manager said he would never have expected to be having “a cup of tea with royalty” when he started work restoring an aerodrome six years ago.

Despite chilly grey skies and an aeroplane which refused to start, Stow Maries Great War aerodrome buzzed with excitement for the first royal visit to the site.

Prince Edward, eighth in line to the throne, was shown around by proud aerodrome manager Russell Savory, who was “absolutely chuffed to bits” with the day.

Volunteers had been working flat out for weeks to get the new hangar up and running, finishing last week in time for the First World War BE2e plane, with a top speed of 55mph, to fly in last Wednesday.

The royal, who drove himself to the site for Tuesday’s visit, was shown around the hangar and sat in the plane, attempting to switch it on, but despite repeated attempts the engine refused to start.

Despite being sabotaged by a possibly flooded engine, the undefeated prince was shown around the rest of the aerodrome site, the workshop, museum and war memorial, before being introduced to the many volunteers who help at the site.