Prince Philip's binocular viewing

May 14, 2010, 12:03 GMT

Britain's Prince Philip was forced to watch his favourite sport from the sidelines yesterday (13.05.10).

The Duke of Edinburgh - who turns 90 next year - was spotted watching a dressage event at the Royal Windsor Horse Show through a pair of binoculars in his Land Rover yesterday (13.05.10) because of an ankle injury which he sustained last month.

While Philip recovers from the injury which occurred when his carriage crashed in the grounds of Windsor Castle, the keen sportsman was photographed looking unusually tired and drawn.

Philip took up carriage-driving - a sport which involves either two or four-wheeled carriages pulled by a single horse, a tandem or four-in-hand team - in 1971 after he officially retired from playing polo.

Since then he has competed in the sport, which involves dressage, time trials and a challenging obstacle course, for Britain at several European and World Championships.

This is not the first time the duke has had to miss out on something he loves because of ill health.

Last year he had to cancel several engagements after he strained his back - while carriage driving - and was said to be in "excruciating pain".

Despite his age Philip is one of the most active royals, carrying out more than 400 engagements a year.