Coronavirus fears put royal couple’s Aussie visit in doubt
As coronavirus fears grow, Kensington Palace is considering a review of Prince William and Catherine’s international travel plans which could jeopardise their proposed tour of bushfire-affected regions in Australia.
National
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Officials are bracing for the likelihood that Prince William and wife Catherine’s upcoming Australian visit will be postponed due to the coronavirus.
The Herald Sun understands Kensington Palace is considering a review of the royal couple’s international travel. The review would likely jeopardise the proposed tour of bushfire-affected regions announced just a month ago.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge fly commercially overseas and attract big crowds, which poses a significant difficulty at a time when the coronavirus is spreading in at least 80 countries. Travel bans and enhanced screening measures have already been enacted in many parts of the world and mass gatherings are widely being discouraged.
It is understood the Morrison Government has not had any official communications about changes to the plans.
“The Prime Minister’s office doesn’t comment on arrangements being considered by potential guests of government,” a spokesman said.
But it is believed the trip will be delayed.
It is understood senior Victorian government officials began to suspect the trip was off when
communication became scarce.
Kensington Palace did not comment on reports of the tour plans when they were announced in Australia a month ago and has been tight-lipped in recent weeks.
While no official dates or itineraries have been announced, it was thought the royals would visit some of the country’s regions worst hit by the summer bushfires.
Stops in Gippsland and the New South Wales south coast were rumoured. It was hoped the royal couple’s public profile would bring attention and tourism revenue to affected areas. During the fires, the couple took to social media to express condolences to the families of the people who died in the fires.
“We continue to be shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the fires that are destroying homes, livelihoods and wildlife across much of Australia,” they posted.
Despite almost 100,000 confirmed cases of the virus across the globe, the royals were out in public this week on an official tour of Ireland, shaking hands with fans.
Local media reported the prince joked with healthcare workers about him and his wife “spreading” the virus.
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Originally published as Coronavirus fears put royal couple’s Aussie visit in doubt