Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Labour’s shadow defence secretary John Healey were among the guests at the annual ceremony. The Prince, accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, also spoke with some of the dignitaries attending. This year’s service saw a reduced, mask-wearing congregation due to Covid-19 precautions.

       But senior military and diplomatic dignitaries were able to attend alongside serving RAF personnel.

       Chaplain in Chief, the Venerable Air Vice Marshal John Ellis, spoke in his address of people living “future-focused lives” that were motivated by “hope”.

       He said the RAF had carried “the collective hope of a nation” amid a “continual onslaught of enemy planes in our skies” in 1940.

       Mr Ellis also drew comparisons with the recent military evacuation of Afghanistan.

       He said: “We were witness to the largest Royal Air Force airlift since 1948.

       “An effort that highlighted the skill, courage and resilience of everyone involved.

       “A life-changing event that’s given new hope to thousands.”