The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Won't Be Attending The Olympics Due To Zika
Though the risk is small, they reportedly don't want to take any chances.
By Erin Rooney
August 01 2016
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge love cheering on sporting teams, recently attending the America's Cup World Series in Portsmouth, England. However they will reportedly not be attending the Olympic games in Rio this year, due to the risk that the Zika virus poses to their health.
While they were 'special ambassadors' at the 2012 London Olympics, according to The Daily Express, a royal insider has revealed that the pair has decided to take medical advice and not attend this year.
“They definitely wanted to go and it’s a great shame that they are not,” the source said. “Obviously they wanted to support the British team but Kate decided several months ago not to go after taking the best advice.
“It’s well known that she would like to have a third child and so she just couldn’t take the risk. It was still hoped that William or Harry could go but there is still a risk there, however small.”
Kate has previously said that she loves cheering on teams at sporting matches, mentioning this in her speech at a dinner she hosted for SportsAid earlier this year.
“Some of you may know that I love sport,” said Kate, adding: “I love cheering on teams and athletes that I am passionate about. With little over 50 days to go until the Games begin in Rio, the next Olympiad is almost here.
“As we did in London in 2012, we will see a new generation of sporting stars emerge.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge join Princess Charlene of Monaco, tennis stars Milos Raonic and Tomas Berdych, and golfers Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth in their decision not to attend the games due to the virus.