Prince Harry publicly defends new girlfriend, Meghan Markle

In a statement from Kensington Palace, he says he's worried about the Suits star's safety and has urged journalists to 'pause and reflect before any further damage is done'.

"But the past week has seen a line crossed," the statement reads. 

He says every friend, co-worker and loved one in the 35-year-old's life has been bombarded.

Since last week, journalists have been trying to dig up dirt on the suits actress to no avail. 

A UK newspaper, The Sun ran a headline above an interview with Markle’s sister, saying: “Don’t fall for my little sis Harry, she’d be the next princess pushy”. 

The prince’s statement also attacked what it called "substantial bribes offered by papers” to Markle’s former boyfriend.

Kensington Palace listed a string of complaints it had about the conduct of newspapers, citing: “Nightly legal battles” to keep defamatory stories out of papers. 

The statement says her mother has had to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door with reporters and photographers attempting to gain illegal entry to Markle's home. 

Social media erupted soon after the release of the statement with online users taking to Twitter to have their say on the royal and his new love interest: