The Duke of York is now the charity's Honorary Chief Pilot

The facility provides live links to Yorkshire's three ambulance control rooms, enabling a faster and more effective deployment of the helicopter.

Since it was introduced in October, the new system has cut activation times from seven to two minutes.

Prince Andrew met staff, volunteers and former patients during his visit.

Special guests included Sarah Beal, who sustained serious injuries after being crushed by a horse at her home near Malton, North Yorkshire, in November 2004, and three-year-old Isaac Plumb, of Adlingfleet, near Goole, East Yorkshire, who was born with his umbilical cord around his neck.

Isaac's father Shaun said: "I think Isaac was oblivious to his encounter with royalty - but it will be great to tell him about it when he's older!"

'Absolutely thrilled'

After officially opening the new air desk, the Duke said he had accepted an invitation to become Honorary Chief Pilot for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

He added: "I would like to say to the pilot, it won't be long before I do a check ride, and I look forward to that!

"It's difficult to describe the work and the value of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, except quite simply it can deliver people to hospital within the golden hour when it's most needed. The work these people do is incalculable and most valuable."

Yorkshire Air Ambulance chief executive Martin Eede said: "We are absolutely thrilled the Duke of York has accepted our invitation to open the new air desk which has enabled us to improve deployment of the helicopter.

"By using new technology to link the control rooms of Yorkshire's three ambulance services, we can instantly see all 999 calls made across the county.

"Since the facility was introduced in October last year, there have been major improvements in the speed of dispatch, meaning we are now frequently first on scene."