A FORMER Hereford Cathedral School student who became Prince Charles’ Royal harpist has admitted trying to defraud a building society with a pass book which had been stolen in a house burglary.

But Jemima Phillips denied four charges of burgling houses near her Forest of Dean home when she appeared before Gloucester Crown Court last week.

The 27-year-old pleaded guilty to dishonestly making a false representation to Nationwide Building Society at its Monmouth branch on May 22 by presenting a pass book in the name of Heather Gilmore with intent to obtain money.

However, prosecutor Kirsty Real said Phillips’ admission was not enough for the Crown and there would have to be a trial in October on four house burglary charges.

Phillips, of St Briavels, and her co-accused William Davies, aged 41, of Grove House, Cheltenham, both denied raiding four houses between May 22-28.

The charges are that they broke into a house in Coleford and stole a shoulder bag, wallet and contents including bank cards and that they burgled a house in Lydney and stole a guitar.

It is also alleged they they burgled another house in Coleford and stole two Nokia mobile phones and a wallet, including bank cards, and broke into a property in Milkwall and stole a TV, JVC camera, two laptops and a wallet containing bank cards.

Phillips, who has served as the official harpist to the Prince of Wales and was the only musician to play at his wedding to the Duchess of Cornwall, was granted bail.

Davies was remanded in custody.

Phillips, who studied at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School after her time at the Cathedral has performed at Balmoral Castle, Clarence House and Windsor Castle, The Guildhall, and both Houses of Parliament.

She also performed at Prince Charles’ wedding, the birthday celebrations of Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra and featured in the first concert to be recorded from the ballroom of Buckingham Palace.