A Statement by the Communications Secretary to Prince Harry

Published 08 November 2016

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

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. 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. 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.

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. 

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.

Related content

A speech by The Duke of Sussex at the OnSide Awards at the Royal Albert Hall

It’s because of all of your efforts that 50,000 young people are getting access to such amazing experiences every single year.

17 November 2019
Feature

Remembrance 2019

Members of the Royal Family remember the war dead.

The Duke of Sussex's speech at the WellChild Awards 2019

Each of you, through your heartfelt commitments, make it possible for these and other children to live the life that they deserve – at home, with their families

16 October 2019
News

World Mental Health Day 2019

10 October 2019

A speech delivered by The Duke of Sussex at the Youth Employment Services, Johannesburg

In my role as The Queen’s Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, I am so incredibly fortunate to meet young people who are determined to make a real difference and make their mark on...

02 October 2019

A speech delivered by The Duke of Sussex at The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy Dedication in Malawi

As The Queen’s Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, I am particularly proud of how this programme will create a physical legacy of Her Majesty’s leadership of the Commonwealth - not...

30 September 2019

A speech by The Duke of Sussex at the visit to The Princess Diana Orthopaedic Centre, Huambo, Angola

I am humbled and honoured that my mother’s work and commitment to demining continues to inspire and that her legacy is being recognised and celebrated today with the naming of...

27 September 2019

A speech delivered by The Duke of Sussex at a HALO Trust minefield, Dirico, Angola

Landmines are an unhealed scar of war. By clearing the landmines, we can help this community find peace, and with peace comes opportunity.

27 September 2019

A speech delivered by The Duchess of Sussex at the visit to The Justice Desk, Nyanga Township, South Africa

You have welcomed us into this community, have been open and honest with us, both about the dangers women and children face, and about how you are addressing them.

23 September 2019

A speech by The Duke of Sussex at a visit to the Justice Desk, Cape Town, South Africa

We are so incredibly grateful to be able to listen and learn from you about the issues that define your daily lives in these communities. And that’s what this is, a community...

23 September 2019

A speech by The Duke of Sussex at the Invictus Games Foundation 5th anniversary event

I think for me this has always been about the competitors and their families. What they represent, the strength and determination, the grit, every part of it.

11 September 2019

The Duke of Sussex's speech at the launch of Travalyst in Amsterdam

We have the opportunity to address this tourism paradox and turn one of the world’s biggest problems into one of its greatest solutions

03 September 2019
News

International Youth Day 2019

12 August 2019

A speech delivered by The Duke of Sussex at the Chatham House Africa Programme event

Thank you Honourable Minister, ladies and gentlemen. It’s a pleasure in joining you to focus on such an important collaborative goal. This event is the culmination of a great...

17 June 2019

A speech delivered by The Duke of Sussex at Founder’s Day

We should all be incredibly proud and grateful knowing that 46 of you here fought in the Second World War... I thank you for inviting me here today and I wish you all the...

06 June 2019

A speech delivered by The Duke of Sussex at the opening game of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019

Cities across England and Wales will come alive over the next six weeks as World Cup fever sweeps the nation once more

30 May 2019
Feature

Prince Archie of Sussex

Find out more about Archie Mountbatten-Windsor
Press release 06 May 2019

The Duchess of Sussex has been delivered of a son

Read more
Press release 06 May 2019

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex: Update

Read more

The Duke of Sussex's speech at WE Day UK

To be amongst all of you progressive, motivated, open minded, change-makers, is what gives me hope for the future

06 March 2019

A speech by The Duke of Sussex at The Endeavour Fund Awards

You do not have to be defined by your injury or disability. It does not have to hold you back.

07 February 2019
Press release 08 February 2019

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will visit Morocco

Read more

A speech by The Duke of Sussex at a the Commonwealth Youth Roundtable

This year, as we mark the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth, and with the theme: ‘A Connected Commonwealth', there is a great opportunity to harness the talent...

30 January 2019

A speech by The Duke of Sussex at Circus Zambia, The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust Event, Lusaka

We established The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust to be your platform. The place where your voices can be heard, where your work is seen and taken seriously.

27 November 2018