Prince Harry Defends Girlfriend Meghan Markle From "Sexism and Racism" on Social Media

British royal is concerned for the Suits star's "safety"

By Zach Johnson Nov 08, 2016 11:40 AMTags

Prince Harry has officially confirmed his relationship with Meghan Markle while condemning those who have abused and harassed the actress on social media. In Kensington Palace's statement, released Tuesday morning, the prince also acknowledged that he has always been a public figure.

"Since he was young, Prince Harry has been very aware of the warmth that has been extended to him by members of the public," the palace's statement began. "He feels lucky to have so many people supporting him and knows what a fortunate and privileged life he leads."

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"He is also aware that there is significant curiosity about his private life. He has never been comfortable with this, but he has tried to develop a thick skin about the level of media interest that comes with it," the palace said. "He has rarely taken formal action on the very regular publication of fictional stories that are written about him and he has worked hard to develop a professional relationship with the media, focused on his work and the issues he cares about."

"But the past week has seen a line crossed. His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment," the palace continued. "Some of this has been very public—the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments."

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"Some of it has been hidden from the public—the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life."

"Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her," the palace said. "It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm."

"He knows commentators will say this is 'the price she has to pay' and that 'this is all part of the game'. He strongly disagrees," the palace continued. "This is not a game—it is her life and his."

The prince "has asked for this statement to be issued in the hopes that those in the press who have been driving this story can pause and reflect before any further damage is done," the palace explained. "He knows that it is unusual to issue a statement like this, but hopes that fair-minded people will understand why he has felt it necessary to speak publicly."

Markle, meanwhile, has not commented.

Romance rumors first started swirling about the prince and the Suits actress in late October. Markle has reportedly met Prince Charles, and sources have said an engagement is possible.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he's already thinking about engagement just because that's where his head goes but that's not where the relationship is at right now," a source told E! News. "This is totally Harry. The problem with Harry is when he falls, he falls hard. He goes in big time."

The couple is "serious" about each other, a source said, and "everybody is thrilled for Harry."