Prince Harry Issued a Strongly-Worded Statement to People Who Are Trolling His Girlfriend, Meghan Markle
"He knows that it is unusual to issue a statement like this."
In case you didn't already realize it, the Royal Family has access to the internet and they are reading the things that people write about them and their friends and loved ones. And, when those things are mean, unfair, or just plain hateful, it hurts — because stars (and royals) really are just like us.
Prince Harry just issued a statement through Kensington Palace to address the trolling of his girlfriend, Meghan Markle, and let's just say it makes his feelings about the treatment of his new S.O. very clear. Harry's communications secretary, Jason Knauf, released the one-page open letter to the media/internet trolls/not-so-nice people in general, which tore into those who have made sexist and racist comments about Markle since news of her relationship with Harry broke.
The statement opens with a reminder that Prince Harry knows he's privileged in many ways and that he appreciates the "warmth that has been extended to him by members of the public." He also acknowledges that there's a lot of public interest in his private life and that he's tried to deal with that as best he could, even though he's never been totally comfortable with the lack of privacy.
And then, it gets real.
"The past week has seen a line crossed," the statement reads. "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."
In addition to the "sexism" and "racism" Markle has faced publicly, the statement says, there have been private battles that are even more personal and, frankly, more frightening to live with.
"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."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Because Prince Harry has been playing this game (you know, the "game" of fighting to have any kind of private life, even in spite of his massive, from-birth fame), he also jumped ahead to the argument he knew people were going to throw back at him and shut. It. Down.
"Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her," the statement explains. "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."
And yes, Prince Harry knows that it's not "normal" for a member of the Royal Family to issue this kind of troll-slamming takedown, but TBH, he doesn't seem to care. That's how important his privacy, his relationship with Markle, and her privacy and safety are to him.
"He 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. 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."
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
I Tried Biologique Recherche's Two-Hour Scalp Detox Treatment
Is the French-girl favorite worth the hype?
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence's Maternity Style Era Is Off to a Must-Shop Start
She knows what she likes—and how to wear it.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'The Lincoln Lawyer' Finale Teased A Game-Changing Cliffhanger—Will There Be a Season 4?
We're on the case of whether or not Mickey Haller and co. are coming back to Netflix.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
During His Royal Tour in Australia, King Charles Reveals One Way He Won't Be Following in Prince Harry's Footsteps
"If I was a younger man."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reportedly Purchased Portugal Home to Stay "Connected" to the Royals
A royal expert called the move "extremely significant."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Eugenie Is Reportedly in a "Precarious Position" Between Prince Harry and King Charles
"Eugenie is in a difficult spot."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Fans Can’t Get over Prince Harry’s Seriously Impressive Surfing Skills in New Video: “In His Season of Joy”
He's a true Californian now.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Royal Expert Claims Princess Kate is Done "Playing Peacemaker" With King Charles, Prince Harry and Prince William
"She did try over a period of years and finally threw up her hands in disgust."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
How Taylor Swift Has Entered the Chat When It Comes to Prince Harry's Security
One royal commentator said there was a "double standard" when it came to police protection in the U.K.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Has Offered to "Help" Her 'Suits' Costars With Their Rewatch Podcast
"It's lovely to still have that kind of support and friendship after so many years apart."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals One Thing Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Share With Mom Meghan Markle
Lucky kids.
By Kristin Contino Published