Royal visit victim of spreading crisis
Harry, Meghan enter homestretch
OFFICIALS are bracing for the likelihood that Prince William and wife Catherine’s Australian visit will be postponed due to coronavirus.
It is understood Kensington Palace is considering a review of the couple’s travel that would likely jeopardise their proposed tour of bushfire-affected regions, announced just a month ago.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge fly overseas commercially and attract large crowds, which poses difficulty at a time when coronavirus is spreading in at least 80 countries.
It is understood the Morrison Government has not had any official communications about changes to the plans, but it is believed the trip will be delayed indefinitely.
It was thought the royals would visit some of the regions worst hit by bushfires.
PRINCE Harry has told wounded military veterans he “always” has their backs, as he and Meghan embarked on their final round of engagements before they leave the royal family.
But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex got a mixed reception when they began their farewell schedule, with an angry Londoner booing them yesterday.
The couple arrived at Mansion House to host the Endeavour Fund Awards, where ex-forces personnel are honoured for achievements in sport and adventure.
Despite most of the crowd cheering them, a bystander was not happy to see the couple, yelling “boo” as they left their car.
There were gasps in the crowd and the person was jeered, with Meghan and Harry’s devoted fans kicking off a cheer again.
“We love you Harry and Meghan,” one woman yelled out. The Duchess gave the fan a smile, mouthing “thank you” as the couple stepped into Mansion House.
Meghan, dressed in a $2649 Victoria Beckham dress and navy Manolo Blahnik stilettos, put her hand on Harry’s back and the couple grabbed each other’s hands.
Prince Harry, who has reluctantly been forced to walk away from some military roles due to Megxit, showed solidarity with his fellow former servicemen and women.
“I feel lucky to be able to count myself as one of you, and am deeply proud to have served among you as Captain
Wales,” a sentimental Harry told the crowd.
“A lot of you tonight have told me you have my back. Well, I’m also here to tell you, I’ve always got yours.”
The limelight was taken from Prince Harry and Meghan for a moment when award recipient Danny Holland proposed to his girlfriend on stage. Harry applauded while Meghan swooned.
Londoner Malicia Johnson, 26, said she was there “just to cheer them on. It would be nice for them to know that there’s a lot of UK support for them.”
Meghan and Harry will spend the next few days fulfilling their final royal duties across Britain.
Their final event as working royals will be at Monday’s Commonwealth Day church service at Westminster Abbey in London.