A Wiltshire veteran has opened up about a moment between King Charles and his brother Prince Andrew at an RAF station that highlighted their rivalry.

Robert Whittingham of Abbeymead served in the RAF as a steward for 23 years between 1969 and 1992.

His time in the forces saw him encounter many memorable moments but none quite as amusing as when he was tasked with training King Charles III, the then Prince of Wales, and the Duke of York back in 1978.

“I had to look after the two Princes when they came to do their obligatory parachute course at Brize Norton,” said Robert.

Swindon Advertiser:

“They were both very nice and Andrew arrived first at the base before his brother joined up with us too.”

When Charles arrived he spoke in detail with Robert but hunkered down on one particular line of questioning.

“Charles asked me to show him Andrew’s room after he had visited his own,” recalled Robert.

“When we got to the room he remarked that Andrew’s was bigger and asked to be moved into his brother’s room!”

Swindon Advertiser: Robert was tasked with helping both Charles and Andrew with their parachute course at RAF's Brize Norton.Robert was tasked with helping both Charles and Andrew with their parachute course at RAF's Brize Norton. (Image: Robert Whittingham)

Robert, who moved to Swindon in 2012, also remembered the kind side shown by the current King during his stay at the Oxfordshire military base.

“Charles would address each member of staff by their first name and make a special effort to know who was serving the food each day,” he said.

“I made sure that every person would meet Charles and be called by name so that they could reflect on meeting the future king."

The former RAF steward has reflected on his time in the RAF in a new book of his memoirs entitled ‘Ascot Airways: The Life and Times of a Royal Air Force Steward’.

“I enjoyed my time in the RAF and my son encouraged me to write the book,” said Robert.

“He said that when I go, all these stories will go too so I should write them down for others to read.”

Swindon Advertiser: Robert served in the RAF for 23 years.Robert served in the RAF for 23 years. (Image: Robert Whittingham)

Although the 72-year-old veteran was born in Bellshill, Scotland, he and his family very much regard Wiltshire as home.

“We’ve always had a connection with Wiltshire,” he said.

“Both of my children were born in Wiltshire and it is has been where I have lived for the last decade.”

The book has already sold almost 500 copies worldwide and was ranked seventh on Amazon’s aviation books list.

If you would like to obtain a copy of Robert’s memoirs, you can purchase a paperback version for £9.99 here.