Danish heir fractures his cervical spine on trampoline

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) Denmark's royal household says Crown Prince Frederik has fractured his cervical spine while trampolining at a private event and had to cancel his participation Friday in an official event for Danish Olympic athletes.

The palace says the 48-year-old heir to Denmark's throne will wear a cervical collar for the next 12 weeks.

Court spokeswoman Lene Balleby said in a statement the accident would not make him cancel other ceremonial duties.

Frederik, the oldest son of Danish monarch Queen Margrethe, holds no political power. An avid sportsman, he is a member of the International Olympic Committee.

The royal family is hugely popular in Denmark and the monarchy enjoys widespread support.