In a surprising move, the British royal family’s website has quietly removed a rare and significant statement from Prince Harry, originally released in 2016, confirming his relationship with Meghan Markle. This deletion has sparked curiosity and speculation among royal watchers and the general public alike.
A Groundbreaking Plea for Privacy
In November 2016, Prince Harry’s communications secretary released a statement that was nothing short of groundbreaking. For the first time, Harry publicly confirmed his relationship with Meghan Markle and condemned the “wave of abuse and harassment” she faced after their romance became public. This statement was a clear deviation from the royal family’s usual stance of maintaining silence on personal matters, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The statement, which remained accessible on the royal family’s official website for years, has recently disappeared. According to Newsweek, the link was still active on December 3, 2023, but by December 10, it had been removed. The Wayback Machine, an internet archive site, confirmed this change, leaving many to wonder why such a crucial piece of royal history was taken down.
Prince Harry’s Concern for Meghan Markle’s Safety
Prince Harry’s original statement highlighted his deep concern for Meghan’s safety. He expressed his disappointment at not being able to protect her from the intense scrutiny and harassment she was subjected to. Harry’s spokesperson conveyed his feelings poignantly:
“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. 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.”
Royal Reactions and Memoir Revelations
Prince Harry’s decision to issue the statement was met with mixed reactions within the royal family. In his memoir, Spare, Harry recalls being advised that “silence is the best option” when dealing with media attention. However, he felt a strong need to address the issue directly:
“We needed a statement out there. Within a day we had a draft. Strong, precise, angry, honest.”
Despite the bold move, Harry noted that the statement did little to change the situation. The harassment continued unabated, and his actions reportedly caused friction with his father, now King Charles, and his brother, Prince William:
“Because they’d never put out a statement for their girlfriends or wives when they were being harassed,” Harry wrote.
A Journey of Love and Challenges
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship has been anything but ordinary. They married in May 2018, and in 2020, they made the unprecedented decision to step back as working members of the royal family. Relocating to California, they sought a more private and independent life, away from the relentless scrutiny of the British media.
The Changing Face of Royal Communications
The removal of Prince Harry’s 2016 statement is not the only recent change to the royal family’s website. In March, the bios of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were merged into a joint profile. The top of the page now reads:
“As announced in January 2020, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have stepped back as working members of The Royal Family.”
This page also includes a link to Meghan and Harry’s own website, sussex.com, signaling their move towards a more independent public presence.
The Queen’s Supportive Farewell
Queen Elizabeth’s statement following the Sandringham Summit in 2020 remains a testament to her support for Harry and Meghan’s decision. She acknowledged the challenges they faced and expressed her hope for their future happiness:
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved members of my family. I recognize the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.”
Life Beyond Royalty
Since stepping back from royal duties, Meghan and Harry have continued to make headlines with their philanthropic efforts and personal milestones. From their impactful work with various charitable organizations to their media ventures, they have carved out a new path that aligns with their values and aspirations.
The quiet removal of Prince Harry’s 2016 statement from the royal family’s website marks the end of an era. However, the impact of his words and the courage he displayed in standing up for Meghan against a tide of negativity will not be forgotten. As they continue to navigate their new lives, Harry and Meghan remain figures of significant public interest, embodying resilience and a commitment to living authentically.
Source- People
