Prince Harry’s beloved Invictus Games have been called off for 2020 in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
The heartbreaking news comes after Harry shared a video detailing the difficult decision, while he urged participants who were set to compete in the games to “look after” themselves and one another.
In the video, which was posted online, the prince is seen holed up indoors, telling the camera: “This was an incredibly difficult decision for all of us to have to make. This decision was the most sensible and the safest option.”
He continued: “I know how disappointed you must all be. This is a focus that so many of you need. I would encourage you to maintain that focus as best you can.”
The games will be rescheduled for 2021.
Founded by Prince Harry himself, the games invite ex and injured servicemen and women to compete in various sports.
The prince’s passion for the games is abundantly clear – he often talks about them in line with his various commitments to his other charities.
“I’m sorry we couldn’t provide this for you. Please look after yourselves. Please look after your families. Please look after one another,” he stated in the video.
Prince Harry shared the heartbreaking update in a video posted online.
(Sussex Royal)The cancelled event comes amid growing concerns about the spread of the virus, with the elderly and those with weakened immunity to be most at risk.
With injured and ex-servicemen and women gathering as part of the games, and with an inevitably large number of people guaranteed to be together in one spot to attend, the event was always going to be risky should it have gone ahead.
The move comes in line with a number of governments (including Australia’s) cracking down on large gatherings.
At present, no more than 100 people can be gathered in one indoor spot across Australia.
WATCH: Meghan Markle shares a touching speech at the 2018 Invictus Games. Story continues after video…
The news comes as the people across the world go into various states of self-isolation in line with government and WHO recommendations.
And it certainly appears that Harry and Meghan have done the same.
It’s understood they are currently residing in Canada on Vancouver Island with their baby son Archie.
Both Harry and Meghan shared another supportive update on Instagram earlier this week, telling their 11 million strong following: “We often speak of compassion. All of our lives are in some way affected by this, uniting each of us globally.”
They continued: “How we approach each other and our communities with empathy and kindness is indisputably important right now. Over the coming weeks, this will be our guiding principle.”
