Prince Harry had an early fall but did not appear to be injured

The 18-year-old also had a tumble just one minute into the match when his pony reared up, sending him crashing to the ground.

But the prince, who was watched by his father, the Prince of Wales, was soon back in action on another pony and minutes later put the English schools team ahead.

France, who started the game with a half-point advantage under the handicap system, eventually ran out winners, by four and a half points to three.

John Lloyd, of the Schools and Universities Polo Association, which organised the tournament, said that although Harry was not injured in the fall, the incident may have affected his concentration.

'Unsettled'

Mr Lloyd said: "I think Prince Harry might have been a bit unsettled by that earlier fall.

"It was unfortunate for that to happen at the beginning of the game, but these things happen. It cannot have helped his concentration.

"But England quickly recovered and regrouped and certainly gave the French a run for their money.

"To lose a game when you are making your debut as captain cannot be much fun. Still, he was very resilient."

He said the pony which had unseated Harry was not his normal mount.

Mr Lloyd said Harry's promotion to captain on his international debut was a deserved honour.

'Horsemanship'

"A great deal about the game is to do with horses and horsemanship.

"Harry is a very good horseman and that really counts in a game like this.

"The other thing is, he's a great encourager. If you watch him play, he is constantly encouraging the other players and we feel he is a very good choice for captain."

Those watching also said Harry was a worthy captain. Rachel Wrey, who is 15 and plays for Heathfield School in Berkshire, said: "He places himself well.

"He played a really good game. But I think the French had good horses and placed themselves better."

The Prince of Wales was among the spectators

Prince Harry, who was listed in the tournament programme as Harry Wales, also turned out for his old school, Eton, in the National Schools Polo Challenge Trophy.

The competition, involving the likes of Harrow, Epsom, Cheltenham and Marlborough, was held at sun-drenched Dallas Burston polo ground in Southam, Warwickshire.