Prince Harry accuses media of "outright sexism and racism" in treatment of girlfriend Meghan Markle

Prince Harry has issued a statement confirming that actress Meghan Markle is his girlfriend, condemning the media for the “wave of abuse and harassment” she has faced since speculation began over their relationship.

The statement, issued on behalf of Harry by his communications secretary, outlines the Prince’s understanding of his privileged position in life, coupled with the development of “a thick skin about the level of media interest that comes with it”. However, the growing number of fictional stories about his girlfriend, Markle, 35, whom he has been seeing for “a few months” has crossed a line. 

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According to the statement, Ms 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.”

Here’s the statement in full:

With Markle now confirmed as Harry’s partner, we’d imagine the headline’s will shift from speculative to celebratory – but the confirmation will only spur some groups to push even harder for an ‘exclusive’ on Markle’s life or past.