London (PTI): Prince William, the second in line to the British throne, on Friday appeared to defend his controversial helicopter trips around the UK and said he was merely trying to clock up as many miles as he could as part of the Royal Air Force training.

Last month the 25-year-old Prince was heavily criticised for flying Chinook helicopters to his girlfriend Kate Middleton's home and to his cousin's stag party.

He had also used the military aircraft to fly over Highgrove, the Gloucestershire home of his father, Prince Charles, and over Sandringham, the Queen's residence in Norfolk.

During a visit to a community centre in Penygraig yesterday, William conceded that his training had got him into trouble.

William said he had been accused of "joyriding", but was trying to clock up as many flying hours as he could as part of the RAF course.

Britain's Defence Ministry had apologised for allowing William to fly the 10 million pounds helicopter to visit family and friends during his RAF training.

William was awarded his RAF wings last month.