Prince Harry takes a royal fall during polo match

Prince Harry has taken a royal fall during a game of polo.

On Sunday (US time) the Duke of Sussex tumbled off his horse during a match at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club in California.

Dramatic photos show Prince Harry being flung to the ground with his horse, which was knocked sideways, while other players rushed to check on him.

Prince Harry plays polo on June 12.
Prince Harry plays polo on June 12. Photo credit: Getty Images
Prince Harry and his horse are knocked over in the collision.
Prince Harry and his horse are knocked over in the collision. Photo credit: Getty Images
Polo players rush to check on Prince Harry.
Polo players rush to check on Prince Harry. Photo credit: Getty Images
Prince Harry gets back on his feet after the fall.
Prince Harry gets back on his feet after the fall. Photo credit: Getty Images

But it didn't stop him from finishing the game, with the duke carrying on with another horse.

Speaking to Metro, a witness said the duke went through three polo ponies in just one hour - in what is a controversial and gruelling sport for the animals.

Polo is a popular sport among the royals, with Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Prince William also keen players of the sport.

The polo game was Prince Harry's first public outing since he returned to the United States after attending the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in London.