Prince Harry recovers after thumb op

Prince Harry: Keen to get back on the football pitch

Prince Harry has undergone a minor operation after chipping a bone in his thumb playing football.

The 16-year-old Prince was back at Eton on Friday with his hand in a sling after the operation at a local hospital on Thursday, said St James's Palace.

"He is in good spirits but frustrated that he cannot play any sport at the moment," said a Palace spokeswoman.

The accident happened more than a week ago when the Prince was having a "kick about" in free time with friends at his exclusive Berkshire school.

Minor operation

"Someone landed on him and Harry hurt his thumb," said the spokeswoman.

"At first it was thought to be only a minor injury - bruising - so it was bandaged and cold packs put on it."

But the injured thumb was later X-rayed as a precaution, revealing a chipped bone and collateral damage.

Doctors decided to carry out a minor operation under local anaesthetic.

No school uniform

The Prince of Wales, was kept fully informed and visited his son at Manor House, Eton, on Thursday after the operation.

The prince has been excused wearing his Eton uniform - stiff winged collar and tailcoat - because of the sling.

But he is able to attend classes because he is right-handed and has injured his left thumb.

Like his older brother William, 18, Harry is a keen sportsman who enjoys football, rugby, polo and swimming.

The prince is in his third year at Eton and is studying for his GCSEs.