Prince Harry Condemns 'Sexism and Racism' Against 'Girlfriend' Meghan Markle, Is 'Deeply Disappointed' He's No

Prince Harry has released an official statement both confirming his relationship with actress Meghan Markle and condemning those who have harassed and verbally abused her. In the statement, which was issued early Tuesday morning, the royal acknowledged that he lives his life in the public eye.

WATCH: EXCLUSIVE: Princess Diana's Former Chef Says Prince Harry's Late Mother Would Be 'Thrilled' With Meghan Markle

“He has never been comfortable with this, but he has tried to develop a thick skin about the level of media interest that comes with it,” the statement from Kensington Palace read. “He has rarely taken formal action on the very regular publication of fictional stories that are written about him and he has worked hard to develop a professional relationship with the media, focused on his work and the issues he cares about.”

He went on to publicly call out the media storm surrounding his new relationship with the 35-year-old Suits star.

Prince Harry Urges the Press to Back Off of His Girlfriend Meghan Markle

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“The past week has seen a line crossed. His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment,” the statement continued. “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. Some of it has been hidden from the public - the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life.”

The palace spokesperson noted that Harry has been concerned for his girlfriend’s safety and “is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her.”

WATCH: Prince Harry Made a Secret Visit to Girlfriend Meghan Markle in Toronto

“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 read. “He knows commentators will say this is ‘the price she has to pay’ and that ‘this is all part of the game.’ He strongly disagrees. This is not a game - it is her life and his.”

ET can confirm that a complaint regarding Meghan was filed to the Independent Press Standards Organization (IPSO). The organization in the past has ruled in support of the royal family with stories in press, including ones surrounding their personal lives.

Rumors first started swirling about the two in late October. Prince Harry has previously been linked to Cressida Bonas and Chelsy Davy. For more, watch the clip below!

EXCLUSIVE: Princess Diana's Former Chef on How Prince Harry's Mom Would Feel About Meghan Markle

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