Harry makes surprise appearance at Royal Military School in Dover

Prince Harry left a military school dumbstruck when he walked out unannounced on to their parade ground to present medals to outstanding students.

The pupils from the Duke of York's Royal Military School knew someone important would be visiting, but had to contain their excitement when Harry emerged to inspect their ranks.

After the formalities of the parade ground were over, some teenage girls hugged each other, with one excitedly jumping up and down and another exclaiming "Oh my god!"

Megan Davidson, 14, a drummer with the school's military band who was overcome with emotion, said afterwards: "I didn't believe it, I was so shocked."

Harry's last public engagement was watching the Rugby World Cup clash between England and Wales with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Twickenham on Saturday night - when he was left dejected as Stuart Lancaster's team lost.

But he was in good spirits and wearing his Blues and Royals uniform and peaked cap for the event at the school in Dover, Kent, which was established in 1803 in Chelsea by Frederick, Duke of York to care for the orphans of soldiers.

Sean Dunoo, 11, was also on parade when the Prince walked past him.

He said afterwards: "I thought 'Is that Prince Harry?', then I asked my friend next to me and he said 'Probably not' but I said 'Yes, it's him'."