Meghan Markle Skips Zambia Tour With Prince Harry Due To This Risk

Meghan Markle has opted to not join Prince Harry on his trip to Zambia due to a possible health risk.

Nicholas Bieber, a journalist for Daily Star, claimed that the Duchess of Sussex was supposed to fly to Zambia with her husband this week for a two-day, but her pregnancy made it impossible for her to do so.

At present, the country is being plagued with the Zika virus – a virus that is spread by mosquitoes – so she has decided to stay in London. Zika virus carries major risks, especially for pregnant women. Markle is expecting her first child in the spring of 2019.

“As far as those on the ground in Zambia were concerned, both Meghan and Harry were going. But Meghan is exhausted and understandably, expressed serious concerns about traveling to a country with even the smallest Zika threat. In the end, it was agreed Harry would do it alone and Meghan could rest-up and spend some quality time with Doria, who is down in the UK visiting,” a source said.

However, reports about the Zika virus has been linked with Prince Harry and Markle’s recent overseas tour to Australia, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, and New Zealand as well. But last month, the Duchess of Sussex opted to still join her husband on their first 16-day overseas tour.

The NHS previously advised travelers going to areas where Zika virus is known to be careful.

“Travelers are advised to seek travel advice from a health care provider at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance of travel, but particularly important if you are pregnant or planning the pregnancy. You can check if your destination has a risk of ZIKV infection by looking on the ‘Notice Board’ of the specific country page,” the NHS website read (via Express).

In related news, Markle also made headlines this week after it was reported that she and Prince Harry will move out of Kensington Palace next year. Her mom, Doria Ragland, is rumored to move in with the royal couple at Frogmore House so that she could be close to her daughter and grandchild.