Britain’s Prince Harry confirmed Tuesday he is dating US actress Meghan Markle as he blasted racist “abuse and harassment” directed towards her since their relationship began.
In a highly unusual statement, the 32-year-old prince urged media to refrain from “further damage” as he hit out at the “racial undertones” of newspaper coverage.
Harry also took issue with the “outright racism and sexism” on social media directed against Markle, who is biracial, best known for her role as Rachel Zane in the US television drama “Suits”.
Harry’s communi cation secretary Jason Knauf says that the prince sees “there has been a line crossed”.
“His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment. 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.”
The Sunday Express newspaper reported that the prince met Markle in May while promoting the Toronto 2017 edition.
Harry has “never been comfortable” with curiosity about his private life, “but he has tried to develop a thick skin about the level of media interest”, the palace statement said.
