The News of the World's royal editor has pleaded guilty to consipracy to intercept voicemail messages.

Clive Goodman, 48, from Putney, London and co-accused Glen Mulcaire, 35, from Sutton, appeared at the Old Bailey today and both admitted the same charge - five counts of intercepting the voicemails of an MP, a supermodel, a footballer's agent, and publicist Max Clifford among others.

Goodman was arrested over claims made by the Prince of Wales's household that security had been breached after the News of the World published a story detailing a private conversation between Prince Harry and Prince William in 2005.

Clarence House alerted the Royal Protection Unit which led to an investigation by anti-terror police and the subsequent arrest of Goodman.

Liberal MP Simon Hughes, supermodel Elle Macpherson, and Sol Campbell's agent Andrew Skylet all had their voicemails intercepted by Goodman and ex-AFC Wimbledon footballer Mulcaire.

According to the Guardian Mr Justice Gross said: "All options are open. It is an extremely serious matter."

Goodman issued an apology this morning to Prince William, Prince Harry and the Prince of Wales for the "gross invasion of privacy" caused.

Sentencing of the pair will be determined after an Old Bailey hearing next January. ®

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