Prince Harry slams online trolls targeting his girlfriend Meghan Markle

Prince Harry has slammed the online trolls that are attacking his girlfriend Meghan Markle.

The 32-year-old royal is "deeply disappointed" that he has not been able to protect the 35-year-old actress from the "wave of abuse and harassment" she has suffered since their romance was made public.

A statement released by Kensington Palace reads: "His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment. Some of this has been very public … 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. 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."

Meghan’s relatives have also been bombarded with messages and questions after the news of their romance broke.

And the flame-haired royal also insisted he has "never been comfortable" with the curiosity around his love life.

In a statement, the spokesperson added: "Since he was young, Prince Harry has been very aware of the warmth that has been extended to him by members of the public. He feels lucky to have so many people supporting him and knows what a fortunate and privileged life he leads.

"He is also aware that there is significant curiosity about his private life. 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."