Prince Edward visited Twickenham Film Studios – Britain's oldest - today to mark becoming the new Patron of the Production Guild of Great Britain.

His Royal Highness met production crew at the award--winning studios, which is set to undergo a multi-million pound redevelopment, to hear about their experiences of working in the industry.

The Earl of Wessex also joined Oscar winner Tim Cavagin, who won for sound editing Bohemian Rhapsody, at the studio's mixing desk to learn more about the craft of sound editing in film and TV production.

Prince Edward, who at one time worked in theatre and TV production, takes a keen interest in the arts and is Patron of a range of organisations that aim to widen opportunities within the sector, including the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, Northern Ballet and The Orpheus Centre Trust.

He is the first Royal Patron in the history of PGGB, which represents skilled professionals working behind the camera within the production office, accounting, locations, assistant directing, post-production and VFX.

The Earl of Wessex said: "The Production Guild of Great Britain provides incredibly valuable support to the UK's production industry and crews, especially those in the less glamorous and visible roles.

"If we want more young people to consider a career in production, then we ought to be shining a brighter light on where the opportunities lie.

"I look forward to working with the Guild and trying to help them in their efforts to broaden access and inclusion within the UK production workforce."

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Cara Sheppard, Managing Director of Twickenham Film Studios, said: "We were delighted to give His Royal Highness a tour of all of our filming stages and our BAFTA and Oscar-winning Sound and Picture department.

"It is hugely encouraging to feel the genuine support for increasing diversity and inclusion within our industry and attracting and training the next generation of filmmakers."