Meghan Markle: Prince Harry statement about 'racist' and 'sexist' treatment of girlfriend in media praised

Prince Harry has received widespread support for condemning the ‘sexist’ and ‘racist’ treatment of Meghan Markle after the British press discovered they were in a relationship.

In an unprecedented move, Prince Harry released a statement criticising the serious invasion of privacy the Suits actress has endured since it became apparent they were romantically involved.

His strongly worded statement also denounced the racist undertones of some coverage and the overt sexism which ran throughout much of the tabloid coverage about Markle. The Palace said Prince Harry now fears for her safety after members of the press doorstopped her and her family and attempted to illegally gain access to her property.

It added: “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.”

However, support has been forthcoming from across the globe, with many praising Prince Harry for calling out racism and sexism.

The statement, published by Kensington Palace on behalf of Prince Harry, read: “But 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.

“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.”