King's secret 'Spy Oscars' for defenders of the realm

KING Charles has been secretly handing out awards to hundreds of British spies who have risked their lives to protect the nation.

- Helen Barnett

The Spy Oscars thank MI5 agents for foiling terrorist attacks and activities such as dismantling crime gangs and unearthing counter-espionage operations.

MI6 officers have also been honoured with the King praising them for international operations such as those in Russia, China and Iran.

Charles, who is patron of the intelligence services, handed out the awards while he was the Prince of Wales.

Prince William may now take over the role, although it has not yet been decided. He has previously carried out work experience alongside spies at MI5 and MI6 and at communications hub GCHQ.