Prince Philip quits shooting

Prince Philip has given up shooting, following medical advice after his heart scare over Christmas.

Prince Philip has quit shooting.

Britain's Duke of Edinburgh has given up hunting grouse and pheasants following his heart scare over Christmas, which led to him needing a stent fitted in his blocked artery.

The prince fears the recoil from using a shotgun could dislodge the stent, and is adhering to medical advice by giving up hunting.

The duke had arranged traditional New Year shoots at the family's Sandringham Estate, only to have to sit them out and watch others hunting after he was discharged from hospital.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "The duke loves this time of year - and it is a blow. But so far he has followed doctor's orders and only been a spectator.

"Pheasants on the royal estate will count themselves lucky.

"We do not know if this will be permanent or whether the duke will be back shooting again when his health improves."

Buckingham Palace has so far made no comment.