Expert claims this is the real reason Harry and Meghan's 2016 statement was removed from the royal family's website

The royal family made headlines earlier this week when followers noticed they'd made a quiet yet controversial move.

In 2016, Prince Harry released a statement defending Meghan Markle and calling out news outlets for the "racial undertones of comment pieces."

The statement remained on the royal family's website for years, however earlier this week, royal fans and members of the media noticed it had been quietly removed.

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When royal watchers first noted that the statement had been taken down, many believed that it had something to do with the current relationship between Harry and members of the royal family.

Experts say that is probably not the case.

Speaking to The Mirror, PR Expert Mayah Riaz said there was likely no ill intent behind the subtle move.

"This would be nothing more than a cleaning up process of the Royal Website. They could have been implementing updated media strategies or shifting their public image narrative," she explained.

"By removing specific statements, it allows them to exercise greater control over the information available to the public and tailor their messaging accordingly."

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Riaz added that since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no longer working members of the royal family, the statement simply had no relevance or place on the royal family's website.

"We don't know for sure, but it is possible that the removal of the statement could have been related to legal considerations," she continued.

"It may have been determined that the statement was no longer relevant, accurate, or could potentially be used in legal battles or public disputes."

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The statement stated that the press had crossed a line, subjecting Meghan to "a wave of abuse and harassment."

"Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her," it read. "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."

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