Prince Harry’s Invictus Games under threat from coronavirus

Prince Harry’s Invictus Games has suffered a major setback from coronavirus after the runaway royal’s event has been thrown into chaos by the spread of the disease.

Prince Harry’s Invictus Games are under threat from coronavirus in the latest blow to the runaway royal.

The event for wounded service personnel sees thousands of fans flock in from over 20 countries representing a massive risk with the highly contagious disease.

It is due to be held in The Hague, Holland, which had its first case of the deadly virus confirmed on Thursday.

Sources said the rapid spread of the virus has thrown plans for the week-long series of games in May into “chaos”, reports The Sun.

Preparation for the Invictus Games The Hague 2020. Picture: AFP

One told The Sun: “There is a huge amount of concern and a lot of attention is being paid to how Holland deals with the virus and whether it spreads.

“There is concern many will be forced to stay at home — particularly if the situation does develop into a pandemic.

A training session in Kiev during preparation for the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, which might be cancelled due to the coronavirus. Picture: AFP

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“Organisers are also worried about the dangers in the current climate of putting so many disabled athletes together in one place from different countries for a week.

“It is a logistic nightmare and a real worry for the people planning it.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex speaks with Jon Bon Jovi at Abbey Road Studios, where a single has been recorded for the Invictus Games Foundation. Picture: WPA Pool/Getty

Harry was seen smiling last week as he recorded a charity song for the event with rocker Jon Bon Jovi.

But the spread of the disease could put plans on ice in a massive blow to the Prince who created the games in 2014 after being inspired by the US Warrior Games.

It sees injured service personnel and veterans compete in nine sports including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and indoor rowing.

Britain's Prince Harry, Jon Bon Jovi and members of the Invictus Games Choir walk on the famous zebra crossing outside the Abbey Road Studios London. Picture: AP

This would be the fifth event and Harry’s most high-profile event since he stepped back from official public duties.

Harry’s wife Meghan Markle, 38, is expected to attend and be centrestage at many events too.

The source added: “Harry takes the Games incredibly seriously and will be desperate to make sure they are a big success.”

Police patrol outside the buildings at Arrowe Park Hospital, where passengers were repatriated to the UK from the Diamond Princess cruise ship hit by the COVID-19 coronavirus. Picture: AP

The blow comes after Canada announced it would not foot the bill for Harry and Meghan’s security costs.

Last night, a games spokesman said organisers “are planning responses to various scenarios”.

This story first appeared in The Sun and is republished with permission.