Max Clifford tipped-off the News of the World that the Countess of Wessex’s PR company was selling access to the Royal Family, the hacking trial has heard.

Rebekah Brooks described how the investigation into royal access for business was blown when the letters leaked out.

She said investigative reporter Mazher Mahmood worked on a tip-off via Max Clifford that Sophie’s PR company was selling access to the royal family in 2001.