Duke of Sussex reveals Duchess of Sussex’s ‘private suffering' in emotional personal statement

(Image credit: WireImage)

The Duke of Sussex has revealed how his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, has been privately suffering due to media scrutiny in an emotional personal statement.

Ever since rumours that she was seeing Prince Harry back in 2016, Duchess Meghan was subject to severe levels of media scrutiny, both in the UK and abroad.

This led Prince Harry to issue a statement at the time, saying that his then girlfriend was being "subject to a wave of abuse and harassment" and that he was worried about her safety.

Now he’s been forced to take a stand once again, and defend his wife against what he calls a ‘ruthless campaign’ by a British tabloid.

In a statement published online, Prince Harry wrote: “Unfortunately, my wife has become one of the latest victims of a British tabloid press that wages campaigns against individuals with no thought to the consequences – a ruthless campaign that has escalated over the past year, throughout her pregnancy and while raising our newborn son.

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“There is a human cost to this relentless propaganda, specifically when it is knowingly false and malicious, and though we have continued to put on a brave face – as so many of you can relate to – I cannot begin to describe how painful it has been. Because in today’s digital age, press fabrications are repurposed as truth across the globe. One day’s coverage is no longer tomorrow’s chip-paper.”

He continues to reveal that they are taking legal action against Mail on Sunday following the publication of Meghan’s letter to her father, Thomas Markle.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are privately funding the case and will donate proceeds from any damages to an anti-bullying charity.

“For these select media this is a game, and one that we have been unwilling to play from the start. I have been a silent witness to her private suffering for too long. To stand back and do nothing would be contrary to everything we believe in’, he added.

Prince Harry also emotionally compared Duchess Meghan's suffering to what Princess Diana went through over twenty years ago.

"Though this action may not be the safe one, it is the right one. Because my deepest fear is history repeating itself. I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person. I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.

“We thank you, the public, for your continued support. It is hugely appreciated. Although it may not seem like it, we really need it.”

Mariana Cerqueira

Mariana is the managing editor of woman&home. She has previously worked for lifestyle titles including GoodtoKnow covering all aspects of women’s lifestyle - from the Royal Family, beauty and fashion to wellness and travel. She was nominated for AOP Digital Journalist of the Year in 2020, and for New Digital Talent of the Year at the 2016 PPA Digital Awards. She’s mildly obsessed with TV (reality TV shows included) and spends far too much time planning her next trip away.