The Duke of Cambridge, 36, spent three weeks working with MI5, MI6 and GCHQ to see how the UK’s security and intelligence agencies work. The future king’s stint as a spy ended last weekend and a GHCQ boss said he worked “exceptionally hard” on his placements. But campaign group Republic has criticised William’s undercover work.

Republic’s chief executive officer Graham Smith said: “Why do royals have greater access to state secrets than many Government ministers and officials?

“We revealed three years ago that Prince Charles gets sent all Cabinet papers, now William is given access to our security services. There is no need.

“It does beg the question: what happens if William let slip to a friend or acquaintance something he’s been told by MI6? Will there be repercussions for him? Of course not.

“The royals have a long history of seeking reflected glory from our armed forces.

“We have some the best and most professional armed services in the world, yet we insult them by handing out medals and ranks to princes and princesses who haven’t earned them.

“Now they’re wasting the time and resources of the security services for their own amusement and publicity.

“The idea William needs to do this to prepare to be king is nonsense. You don’t need a knowledge of MI6 to be able to open shopping centres and wave to crowds.”

Republic previously said that security services are not “royal playgrounds”.

The group tweeted: “This is appalling. Access to secrets should be on need to know basis and our security services – like our military – should not be treated as royal playgrounds.”

William spent his first week in spy work at MI6, the Secret Intelligence Service, which protects the UK from risks abroad.

He then worked at the Security Service MI5 where he saw counter-terrorism investigations on British soil.

His final week was at GCHQ, which monitors communications for potential security threats in the UK.

After his placements, William said: “Spending time inside our security and intelligence agencies, understanding more about the vital contribution they make to our national security, was a truly humbling experience.

“These agencies are full of people from everyday backgrounds doing the most extraordinary work to keep us safe.

“They work in secret, often not even able to tell their family and friends about the work they do or the stresses they face.

“They are driven by an unrivalled patriotism and dedication to upholding the values of this country.

“We all owe them deep gratitude for the difficult and dangerous work they do.”

Express.co.uk has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.

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