Prince Harry has provoked outrage after being pictured dressed as a Nazi soldier at a fancy dress party.

Today's front page of The Sun shows the prince, with a cigarette and drink in hand, wearing a swastika armband.

The paper reports that Prince Harry, who is due to train at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst later this year, was among 250 guests at a birthday party in Wiltshire.

Prince William is also reported to have attended, dressed in a home-made lion and leopard outfit to fit the theme of Native and Colonial.

But the paper says it was Harry's outfit of beige shirt and trousers and Nazi insignia that was the talk of party guests.

One reveller is reported to have said: "What on earth was Harry thinking of? A senior royal dressing up as a Nazi for a laugh? If that is his idea of a joke, it went down like a lead balloon with many."

In a statement, Prince Harry said: "I am very sorry if I caused any offence or embarrassment to anyone. It was a poor choice of costume and I apologise."

Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, a spokesman for the Reform Synagogues of Great Britain, said: "The fact that the Palace has issued an apology indicates that this was a mistake by the prince. But having been given, the apology should now be accepted."

A Board Of Deputies Of British Jews spokesman said: "The board is pleased that he's apologised for the incident."

But Newcastle North MP Doug Henderson, a former armed forces minister, said Prince Harry should not now be allowed to become an Army officer.

He said last night: "After the revelations this evening, I don't think this young man is suitable for Sandhurst. If it was anyone else, the application wouldn't be considered. It should be withdrawn immediately."

Andy Pike, of Unite Against Fascism, said: "One would be very surprised if he were not aware of the significance of wearing the swastika and the amount of offence that would cause.

"We believe it will offend the whole of the Jewish community and many others. It is extremely disrespectful to the millions of people who fought against fascism."

Mr Pike called for the prince to do more than apologise, and distance himself from the Nazis.

He said: "We don't think that an apology is enough. We would like to see Harry distance himself from Nazi ideas of white supremacy, anti-semitism and racism because he is a very influential figure. We think just an apology won't do."

Former Buckingham Palace spokesman Dickie Arbiter said the Prince of Wales lacked the "right discipline" over his sons.

Asked if there were any checks on what Prince Harry did in his private life, he said: "It would appear that there aren't, because if there were checks he wouldn't be allowed to go on like that.

"There is a lack of discipline, there is a lack of control.

"I'm sorry for the Prince of Wales, he's a humanitarian and he does some terrific work, but I don't think he has the discipline and the right discipline over his children, particularly Prince Harry."