Judge praises former royal harpist for rehab progress

THE Prince of Wales's former harpist, who handled stolen goods while battling drug addiction, has been praised by a judge for her progress on a rehabilitation order.

Jemima Phillips, 28, who played at the wedding of Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, looked after items stolen by then-boyfriend William Davies, 41.

The Royal College of Music graduate walked free from court in December with a 12-month community order which also carried a drug rehab element.

The gifted musician, who also admitted attempted fraud, was ordered to take regular tests to prove she was drug-free.

At a hearing at Gloucester Crown Court, Recorder Ben Browne, QC, declared himself "delighted" with her progress.

He told Phillips: "It's apparent that you've done very well. The judge put very great faith in what you were telling him that you were absolutely determined to come off drugs this time."

The former semi-finalist in BBC's Young Musician Of The Year said she was "fortunate" to be asked to play for the prince in 2004. She was appointed royal harpist in July that year and held the post until 2007.