Kensington Palace has released a statement about the status of Prince Harry's relationship with girlfriend Meghan Markle - and his concerns over her 'harassment' from the press.
In the statement, written by the Communications Secretary to Prince Harry, it is said that although he appreciates the support from the public and understands that there is a huge amount of interest in his private life, he feels 'the past week has seen a line crossed'.
'His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment. 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,' the document explains.
It is the first time that Harry has publicly confirmed his relationship with American actress Meghan, who is best known for her role in TV show Suits.
Rumours of Harry and Meghan's relationship have been rife in recent months, and now the Prince has confirmed them
'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. 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. This is not a game - it is her life and his.'
https://www.facebook.com/TheBritishMonarchy/photos/a.170672256287946.33622.151274568227715/1275094819179012/?type=3&theater
The statement was published on The British Monarchy Facebook page, and posted in full on the royal.uk website
The statement concludes by saying that Harry hopes that his acknowledgement of these stories will cause the press to 'reflect before any further damage is done.'
'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.'
