Prince William was the guest of honour at a traditional ceremony held at a police training base.

The Duke of Cambridge joined Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick at the Hendon Police Complex to congratulate the latest batch of recruits.

The passing-out parade is a traditional ceremony that has taken place at Hendon since 1934 and marks the transition from trainee police officer to probationer. These new recruits will be posted in boroughs across London.

Commissioner Dick said: “We are honoured to have His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge preside over the passing-out parade, making this occasion even more memorable for our new probationary constables.

“My newest officers will very soon be protecting the capital as part of a police service with a global reputation and a proud history.

“There is no doubt that policing is challenging and recent tragic events in London have clearly demonstrated the Met’s professionalism and dedication.

“ It is a privilege to serve and the satisfaction of helping the public and making a real difference to the lives of many people offers a great reward, as our new probationers are about to discover.”

In a display of pageantry, the trainee constables marched onto the parade square with police horses and dogs accompanied by music performed by The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers.

The Commissioner then escorted The Duke to a reception to meet a number of officers.

These will include some of the top performing students of the group as well as Family Liaison Officers based at Hendon who are currently working with families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.

His Royal Highness also planted a cherry tree to commemorate his visit in the Met’s Memorial garden, as his brother, His Royal Highness Prince Harry, did on his visit to Hendon in October last year.