The Sun's Prince Harry fake bomb stunt at Sandhurst starts MoD probe

The reporter posed as a warfare student and wandered around the academy for seven hours without being challenged.

The reporter took video footage of the prince, shown on the front page of The Sun today, as well as gaining access to the accommodation block where cadet officers like the prince sleep.

Defence secretary John Reid has called for a full investigation into the matter and security has been tightened.

"I have demanded an immediate investigation into this serious security breach. I have instructed Sandhurst to change its procedures to prevent a recurrence," Reid said.

The paper revealed that its reporter was granted access after contacting Sandhurst's chief librarian with details of a research project on 20th century warfare. He was sent an invitation, which granted him access to the academy.

The reporter carried the parts for the fake bomb in his car and after being admitted and visiting the library he went back and put it together. The fake bomb simply comprised a clock, a battery, wires and plasticine standing in for C4 explosive.

The Sun said it mounted the fake bomb effort after it was tipped off by what it described as a "concerned insider", who was concerned about lax security at the academy.

Graham Dudman, The Sun's managing editor, said the story could have been very different if someone more sinister had found out about lax security.

"You would have a completely different news agenda today -- you wouldn't be trying to talk down The Sun on a fantastic piece of journalism, you'd be talking about something a whole lot more serious and dangerous."

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