Prince Harry’s statement criticizing the British media for their “racial undertones” in coverage of Meghan Markle has been removed from the royal family’s official website, Newsweek reports.

In November 2016, shortly after Harry’s relationship with Meghan became public, he instructed Kensington Palace communications secretary Jason Knauf to release a statement condemning the press. This statement remained on the royal.uk website for over seven years but was removed between December 3 and December 10, 2023.

This marked a significant moment for Harry, showcasing his determination to protect Meghan and challenge media scrutiny. In his memoir “Spare,” Harry mentioned that the statement angered King Charles III and Prince William for making them appear unsupportive of their own spouses.

The statement addressed the abuse and harassment Meghan faced, including legal battles, invasive photographers, and attempts to enter her home illegally. Harry expressed his disappointment in not being able to protect her and rejected the notion that such treatment was a “price she had to pay.”

The removal of the statement coincides with a broader reduction of Harry and Meghan’s profiles on the royal.uk site, which were condensed earlier in 2024. This action might reflect ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the British royal family, as evidenced by the lack of a recent meeting between Harry and King Charles during Harry’s visit to London.

In his book, Harry recounted the continued media onslaught despite his statement and the backlash from his family. He also highlighted the racial element in the media’s treatment of Meghan during a 2023 interview with Anderson Cooper for “60 Minutes,” acknowledging his naivety about the British press’s bigotry before his relationship with Meghan.

Newsweek has reached out to Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace for comment on the statement’s removal.