The Prince of Wales took to the wheel during a visit to the Royal College of Art today and was pictured turning a large historic Hockney press used in the 19th century, marking his first

visit to the arts college. Charles has taken over his father, Prince Philip's long-standing role as the Royal College of Art's Royal Visitor, and paid his first visit to the

institute today. Prince Charles succeeds his father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who was the Royal College of Art's Royal Visitor for 50 years after taking on the role in 1967. Philip, 97,

retired from public life last year and has only made rare appearances in the spotlight since. The Queen is also increasingly passing on duties to younger members of the Royal Family.  The

Great Exhibition of 1881 and later by artist David Hockney in 1961. READ MORE: Prince Charles ASTONISHED over stories of child refugees rescued during Nazi regime Charles attempted to

operate the press, turning the wheel to produce a print picture created by Kristina Chan, an alumni from the Royal College of Art. The prince was then gifted with the etching he created - a

printed picture of the Hockney press. As he turned the large but smooth-running wheel to create an aquatint,Charles said: "It has the most fantastic gearing. Am I going at the right

speed? This is very good exercise." Former student Francisco Morris also told Charles about his work, which included trying to reduce the global impact by transforming methane from

cows. Former student Francisco Morris also told Charles about his work, which included trying to reduce the global impact by transforming methane from cows. The prince also viewed displays

of melting and fusing glass, slip casting and glass blowing created by students. Vice chancellor Dr Paul Thompson, who said the RCA aims to combine science, arts and industry, said: "It

was a wonderful opportunity for us to demonstrate how we are leading the way in design globally and embracing new areas of research and innovation."