Camilla hangs up her guns

2003-10-08 20:33

London - A bad back has forced Camilla Parker Bowles to retire from fox hunting on doctors' orders, the London Evening Standard reported on Wednesday.

Parker Bowles, 56, has long been an even more passionate devotee of the bloodsport than her partner Prince Charles and is reported to be resolutely opposed to government plans to ban the pursuit as part of a total ban on hunting with dogs.

Another reason given for her decision was that she wanted to avoid controversy.

"Frankly, she was fed up with the aggravation. But William, Harry and the prince will carry on as long as it is legally possible," a friend told the Standard.

Camilla does Pilates

Parker Bowles is reported to be doing the currently fashionable Pilates exercises to ease her back pain - something Charles also suffers.

The House of Lords is currently considering a bill to ban hunting with dogs after it was passed by the House of Commons. On previous occasions, the Lords have rejected anti-hunting bills, but the government has indicated it will use its powers to force the bill into law with or without approval from the upper house.

Hunting aficionados have indicated they plan a civil disobedience campaign if the ban is made law, and senior police officers have expressed dismay at the prospect of enforcing a ban in the face of strong opposition from members of the public. - Sapa/DPA

- SAPA