Prince Harry has today released a statement via Kensington Palace asking for a change in how the Media and Social Media are approaching the recent stories that he is in relationship with Canadian actress Meghan Markle, saying that she had been subject to “abuse and harassment” both on Social Media and from News outlets.
Acknowledging his uniquely privileged life, Harry commented that he was “Lucky” to have had so much support from the public, and aware of the “significant curiosity” surrounding his personal life, though he says he has never been comfortable with it, but held the view that “The last week has seen a line crossed.””
“His Girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment.” he said in the statement, highlighting smears on the covers of national newspapers, articles with racial undertones, and “The outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments”, as well as less public, nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of the press, and the persistent efforts of press and paparazzi to gain illegal entry in to her home, their crowding around the houses of her and her family, and the constant efforts to extract stories about Meghan from friends, family and colleagues, some of who have reportedly been offered 6 figure sums for information about the actress.
This is the first time either Prince Harry or Meghan, who is best known for her role in the US TV show Suits, have acknowledged their relationship, and it is considered both unusual and unprecedented for a royal to confirm their relationship in this way.
The full statement – which was praised by This Morning hosts Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby as being impactful – can be read in full below, or at the Kensington Palace Twitter account.
Kensington Palace has issued a statement this morning about the harassment currently being experienced by Meghan Markle and her family. pic.twitter.com/EuFZ4fmUIj
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 8, 2016
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