Prince Edward will not be prosecuted over claims he beat his dog, the RSPCA has said.

The Earl of Wessex was alleged to have mistreated the animal while out shooting at the Queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

The RSPCA launched an investigation after receiving complaints following the publication of pictures that appeared to show Edward striking his black Labrador with a walking stick.

But the RSPCA said there was insufficient evidence of wrongdoing to bring charges against the Prince, saying in a statement.

Buckingham Palace said Edward waved his stick to break up a fight between his two dogs over a dead pheasant at Sandringham.

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.