Polo-playing Prince Harry was chucked off his pony during the first chukka of a charity match in New York.

The royal hit the turf in spectacular fashion on Sunday, landing head first and rolling on the ground as hundreds of spectators and fellow players looked on.

The charity match was staged on Governors Island, off Manhattan island, to raise funds for the American Friends of Sentebale, the US branch of a charity co-founded by Harry that helps disadvantaged African children.

The match was stopped for a few moments to allow the 25-year-old to dust himself off and remount.

But to his embarrassment the game's commentator gave the crowds a blow-by-blow verbal replay of the tumble.

Prince Harry is making a habit of falling off his pony in charity games.

In Barbados earlier this year, in the inaugural Sentebale Polo Cup, the Prince was thrown by his mount.

Playing polo is not without its hazards and Harry's father the Prince of Wales can testify to the injuries it can cause. In 1980, he needed six stitches and was left with a two-inch scar on his face after being thrown and kicked by his horse.

In 1990, he fell and fractured his right arm in two places, while in 2001 he was taken to hospital after being knocked unconscious and swallowing his tongue.

But the sport does have its advantages - Prince Charles famously fell for the Duchess of Cornwall, now his second wife, after being introduced to her at a windswept polo game in the 1970s.