Prince Harry has caused a royal stir after naked images of him playing strip pool during a trip to Las Vegas leaked online.

The 27-year-old, known for his wild antics, was snapped completely nude in his VIP suite over the weekend.

In one of the embarrassing snaps obtained by gossip site, TMZ, Harry can be seen standing in front of a woman, wearing only a gold ring tied around his neck.

He protects his modesty by cupping his crown jewels.

Another saucy snap shows Harry, who is third in line to the throne, bear-hugging a woman who appears to be completely naked as well.

Prince Harry
The royal lets his hair down during a trip to Las Vegas Facebook (on file)

According to TMZ, the photos were taken during a raging party in a high rollers hotel suite in Sin City.

Harry reportedly went down to the hotel bar at the MGM Grand with his entourage that evening before bringing some ladies back to his room for a cheeky game of strip pool.

A spokesman at Clarence House confirmed that the pictures are genuine, but have refused to comment on them.

The controversial snaps have without a doubt caused the royal family some embarrassment and raised questions about Harry's security arrangements.

They emerged weeks after his grandmother, the Queen, marked 60 years on the throne and just days after he stood in for the Queen as the highest-ranking royal at closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Gold London