Disguised reporter walks into Queen's residence

A journalist posing as a workman triggered a security scare at the Queen's official residence in Scotland, police confirmed yesterday.

In the latest embarrassing security lapse at a Royal residence, the reporter, who was wearing a hard hat, managed to gain access to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and get within yards of the Royal Apartments.

The journalist from The Sunday Times stood unchallenged in the State Rooms adjacent to the Queen's bedroom for 20 minutes. After being discovered with no pass by a workman, the journalist was told to report to security but he left the grounds instead.

Lothian and Borders Police confirmed they were investigating the incident, which happened at about noon on Thursday - just 72 hours before the Prince of Wales was due to visit the palace. The Queen is also due to stay at Holyrood in a fortnight's time.

Les Snowdon, the Sunday Times Scotland editor, said he hoped this would be "a wake up call" for the Royal Family's security staff.

Mr Snowdon said: "It is alarming that someone can get access to these areas by simply donning a hard hat and carrying a clipboard.

"Our investigation raises serious issues of security as that area of Edinburgh is home to two of Scotland's most important buildings."

Two weeks ago a fathers' rights protester scaled the walls of Buckingham Palace.