The Duke of Edinburgh, famous for his public gaffes, has been caught on camera apparently swearing at a photographer during a photocall with Battle of Britain veterans.

The incident happened on the day the Queen and other members of the Royal Family joined the former military fliers – famously dubbed the “few” by wartime leader Winston Churchill – to mark the 75th anniversary of the aerial conflict.

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After watching a fly-past over Buckingham Palace of historic Spitfires and Hurricanes, Philip, the Duke of Cambridge and the Earl and Countess of Wessex were guests along with the veterans at a lunch hosted by the prestigious RAF Club.

Philip, who is known for speaking his mind, appears to tell an RAF photographer in footage filmed during a pre-lunch reception “Just take the f***ing picture,” after the royals and former pilots had gathered in a large first floor room.

The Duke was sitting in the front row of the group with others including his son Edward standing behind him.

He seemed to lose his patience after the RAF photographer, who wore military uniform, tried to make final adjustments to some of the sitters after everyone had settled into place.

As Philip appeared to swear at the man he pointed at him to return to his place where another photographer was waiting.

The RAF photographer seemed unmoved by the comment and can be heard saying “eyes on me” seconds later.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the incident.

The Queen had not joined her family at the event as she was holding a series of audiences during the afternoon.