Top-level probe into royal footman security blunder

ROYAL security will be investigated by an independent commission after revelations that an undercover reporter posed as a Buckingham Palace footman, British Home Secretary David Blunkett said yesterday.

Embarrassed Royal officials have also launched an inquiry after "insufficient" checks allowed the security breach during the build-up to US President George W Bush's state visit.

Mr Blunkett, who was moved to make an emergency statement to MPs on the incident, insisted security vetting procedures on the reporter were carried out "robustly and correctly".