William, Kate and Harry are shunning the Rio Olympics

Despite their well-documented love of sport, Prince William, the Duchess of Cambrige and Prince Harry will not be attending the 2016 Rio Games due to the threat of the Zika virus.

The Royals have reportedly been mulling over the decision for the last few months according to an insider, who told the Mirror UK, “They definitely wanted to go and it’s a great shame that they are not. Obviously they wanted to support the British team, but Kate decided several months ago not to go after taking the best advice.

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“It’s well known that she would like to have a third child and so she just couldn’t take the risk. It was still hoped that William or Harry could go but there is still a risk there, however small.”

In June, the Duchess hosted a dinner at Kensington Palace for SportsAid, a charity that supports budding athletes.

“Some of you may know that I love sport,” said Kate at the time, adding: “I love cheering on teams and athletes that I am passionate about. With little over 50 days to go until the Games begin in Rio, the next Olympiad is almost here.

“As we did in London in 2012, we will see a new generation of sporting stars emerge.”

The Duchess also attended the recent Wimbledon tournament alongside Prince William and Prince Harry.

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The mosquito-borne Zika virus, which first sparked concern last year, has seen 1.5 million people affected in Brazil, with more than 1,600 babies born with microcephaly as a result.

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