A source close to RAF pilot Wills said: "He has always admired heroes like Ken who have great tales of derring-do.
"He's watched The Great Escape and knows the story inside out so was keen to hear some of those amazing details from a man with first-hand experience.
"He found listening to Ken absolutely fascinating and afterwards said he felt privileged to have met him."
Ken, then a Flight Lieutenant, was captured by the Germans after his bomber was shot down on a mission over Norway.
He secured his place in history when he helped build the tunnel in PoW hell camp Stalag Luft III, through which 76 Allied airmen briefly escaped.
The daring getaway became the basis for The Great Escape.
Ken met Wills at his home in Rhosneigr, North Wales.
His family heard the Prince was based at nearby RAF Valley and wrote to ask if he would visit. William turned up days later. A pal of Ken revealed: "He was over the Moon about William's visit.
"He was incredibly chuffed the Prince had taken the time out to see him."
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