Published Monday, 02 July 2012
The Angels hitmaker was reportedly slated to be one of the stars set to sing for the huge crowds at the top secret two-hour show to celebrate the end of the Olympic games in the UK capital in August.
He was allegedly planning to perform David Bowie's classic Life On Mars?, but pulled out before rehearsals began last month to stay by his pregnant partner Ayda Field's side in Los Angeles.
A source tells the Daily Mirror: "Robbie quit a few weeks ago. He had been lined up to perform solo material and it was hoped he would sing with Take That.
"However, just as rehearsals were kicking off, he said there was an unfortunate clash of dates.
"It meant organisers had to adjust the entire schedule, because Robbie is an extremely high-profile performer, and had been given such a important role in the finale...
"Obviously, Robbie has to put his family commitments first. It's just a shame he didn't realise earlier."
A spokesman for Williams tells the publication: "He was asked to do the closing ceremony but due to the imminent birth of his baby, he couldn't take part."