The 2020 Invictus Games – Prince Harry's flagship sporting event that sees wounded, injured, sick and recovering armed services personnel complete as a form of rehabilitation – has officially been called off.
The event was supposed to take place in May this year in The Hague, but due to the coronavirus, will now only take place in May/June of 2021.
"Hi, guys. As you've all now heard, sadly we've had to postpone the Invictus Games and move it to 2021," Prince Harry said in a video message from Canada.
"This decision was the most sensible and the safest option for all of you, for your families, and everybody else involved in these games," he added.
"I know how disappointed you must all be, this is a focus you all need. I would encourage you to maintain that focus as best you can. The good thing is you have an extra 12 or so months to be even fitter, to get even fitter than you already are," a smiling Harry said. "To be at your absolute top mental and physical fitness. So in that sense, I'm really excited about the games next year."
He then urged everyone to be safe. "Please look after yourselves, please look after your families, please look out for one another."
SEE HARRY'S FULL MESSAGE HERE:
The @WeAreInvictus patron, the #DukeofSussex, has released a video message to the #InvictusGames competitors recognising their disappointment at the news, but that it's the best outcome for their safety and recovery. #CoronavirusUpdate #IG2020 #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/SLbT7QOl7D
— Invictus Games The Hague 2020 (@InvictusGamesNL) March 19, 2020
Harry's message comes a day after he, along with Meghan, shared that their focus, for the time being, would be to spread information about the coronavirus pandemic.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex took to Instagram on Wednesday, writing, "There are so many around the world who need support right now, who are working tirelessly to respond to this crisis behind the scenes, on the frontline, or at home. Our willingness, as a people, to step up in the face of what we are all experiencing with Covid-19 is awe-inspiring."
They then echoed the powerful quote in the picture they posted: "This moment is as true a testament there is to the human spirit."
Harry and Meghan are staying home in Canada with Archie, heeding the government's call to self-isolate.
This, as the rest of the royal family also changes their plans in an effort to flatten the curve.
Queen Elizabeth released a statement on Thursday announcing that she, and her family, would be changing their "normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good".
READ MORE HERE: Queen Elizabeth goes into self-quarantine