Prince Charles in fox hunting fall

Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, has broken a small bone in his shoulder after falling off his horse during a fox hunt in Derbyshire.

The prince, whose left arm is in a sling, is said to be comfortable and doctors say the injury will heal itself.

The accident comes as the British parliament is examining a government bill which contains several options to control hunting with dogs -- including one to ban the traditional country pursuit.

Correspondents say the accident is likely to spark further debate both over hunting with dogs and the British royal family's enthusiasm for field sports.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service