Prince William and Kate Middleton could be forced to cancel Australia tour over coronavirus fears
PRINCE William and Kate Middleton could be forced to cancel their trip to Australia amid coronavirus fears.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had been expected to travel Down Under later this year to support communities devastated by bushfires.
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But it has since been claimed the couple's plans could be affected by COVID-19 as the deadly bug continues to spread across the globe.
Two people have died in Australia, with 63 confirmed cases.
Meanwhile in the UK, two people have died after testing positive with coronavirus with 206 cases.
No official dates had been announced for the Oz trip, however it was earlier reported officials had been in talks with Scott Morrison, Australia's Prime Minister, to fine-tune details.
there are concerns for the couple who travel on commercial flights and meet with people from all walks of life.
Kate and William had previously visited Australia in 2014, taking Prince George with them.
Kensington Palace has been contacted for comment.
It comes after Prince William joked with medics earlier this week about spreading the bug while visiting Ireland.
The dad-of-three asked Joe Mooney, an advance paramedic with the National Ambulance Service: "I bet everyone's like 'I've got coronavirus, I'm dying', and you're like 'no, you've just got a cough'.
"Does it seem quite dramatic about coronavirus at the moment? Is it being a little bit hyped up do you think in the media?"
And he later grimaced with mock horror as he said: "By the way, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are spreading coronavirus, Sorry.
"We're keeping an eye on that, so do tell us if we need to stop."
The couple shook hands with dozens of people while on their three-day whistle stop tour.
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Meanwhile the Queen took precautions against coronavirus - wearing gloves for the investitures ceremony this week.
The 93-year-old donned the white gloves as she recognised worth Brits - the first time she has worn the accessory for the event at Buckingham Palace.
