In a groundbreaking 2016 plea, Prince Harry said he was worried about Meghan’s safety as she’d been subjected to a “wave of abuse and harassment”.
Prince Harry’s 2016 statement confirming his relationship with Meghan Markle has been quietly removed from the British royal family’s website. The statement condemned the “abuse and harassment” Meghan faced as news of their romance emerged. The link was active until early December 2023, when it was removed.
In the statement, Harry’s spokesperson highlighted various public and private instances of harassment, including smear campaigns in newspapers, racial and sexist social media comments, and photographers’ intrusive behavior. He expressed deep concern for Meghan’s safety and disagreed with the notion that such scrutiny was part of the public’s interest.
Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” recalls his decision to address the media frenzy. He was advised to remain silent but insisted on a strong, honest statement, which he believed was necessary to correct the narrative. The statement, however, did not slow down the onslaught of attention and reportedly angered his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William, who had never issued similar defenses for their partners.
Harry and Meghan married in May 2018 and later stepped back from royal duties, relocating to California in 2020. Despite this, they remain much-loved members of the royal family, as noted in various statements.
The removal of Harry’s statement is part of broader updates on the royal website, which merged Harry and Meghan’s bios into a single profile emphasizing their departure from royal duties. Links to other major announcements, including Queen Elizabeth’s supportive messages, remain on the page.
Queen Elizabeth acknowledged the difficulties Harry and Meghan faced due to intense public scrutiny and expressed her hope for their happiness and independence. The modifications on the royal website reflect ongoing changes within the royal family, documenting significant milestones and adjustments.
Prince Harry’s statement and its subsequent removal highlight ongoing discussions about privacy, media scrutiny, and the challenges faced by the royal family in the digital age. It reflects the balance between public interest and personal privacy that continues to shape the lives of Harry and Meghan.
