Prince Harry’s Girlfriend Subject To Wave Of Abuse n Harassment

Ms Markle, 35, is best known for her role in the TV drama Suits. She was married to film producer Trevor Engelson, but the couple split in 2013.

The couple are reported to have met in May when Harry was in Canada promoting the Invictus Games 2017.

Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle has been subjected to a "wave of abuse and harassment" by the media, Kensington Palace has said.

In a strongly worded statement, the Prince's Communications Secretary Jason Knauf revealed the difficulties the US actress has experienced since news of their relationship broke.

And he spoke of the 32-year-old's disappointment at not being able to protect Ms Markle and is desire for the media to "reflect before any further damage is done".

The statement said: "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.

"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 statement - which is is the first official confirmation that the pair are dating - is an unusual move by the palace.