Fake SAS 'war veteran' who claimed to have protected Prince George exposed as a fantasist

Edward Brunton, 48, is a hotel worker who lives with his mum but had claimed to be a decorated 30-year Special Forces veteran trusted by the Royal family

Edward Brunton claimed to be an SAS hero until his lies were exposed by real veterans

A hotel worker has been forced to apologise after pretending to be a decorated SAS war veteran who also protected royals and celebrities.
Edward Brunton, 48, told friends he spent 30 years on British Army “special operations” and was later a bodyguard for Princess Diana and Brad Pitt.

He wore a military medal to a ­Remembrance Sunday service and even forged the signature of Mark Carleton-Smith, ex-director of the Special Forces , on a bogus bravery citation.
Internet vigilante group The Walter Mitty Hunters Club HQ, run by real war veterans, exposed Brunton’s fake past.

Edward Brunton was exposed as a fantasist by the Walter Mitty Hunters Club

Brunton prentended to be modest on Facebook - in fact he was telling outright lies

Tracked down by the Mirror, he said: “I deeply regret what I have done as it was unfair to my family and those close to me.
"It was a lie that snowballed out of control. Once it started, I just could not stop.
“I deeply regret the hurt I’ve caused to so many people and the genuine Armed Forces members I've offended.”
Read more: Meet The Walter Mitty Hunters Club - vigilantes who unmask bogus war heroes
Brunton, who lives with his parents in Harrogate, North Yorks, also told pals he had stayed with Prince William and Kate to protect Prince George against a terror threat.

Brunton's fake discharge papers complete with a bogus bravery commendation and forged signature

The Military Cross medal Brunton claimed he was awarded for bravery

And he said he frequently went on jobs to Syria , faking tears as he told friends he had to kill a young boy on one job.
His ex-girlfriend, who does not want to be named, said: “I thought he was so brave, but it was all a complete invention and he made me feel so stupid.”
Brunton has been suspended from work while his background is probed.