'A line has been crossed': Prince Harry calls out 'abuse' of new girlfriend Meghan Markle

Prince Harry has confirmed he is dating US actress Meghan Markle and fears for her safety amid a wave of sexism, racism and front-page smear since their relationship was first revealed.

Kensington Palace tonight released a rare damning statement on behalf of the Prince saying a line had been crossed in the media's treatment of Ms Markle.

The statement includes claims photographers have tried to illegally enter her home and "substantial bribes" have been offered to her ex-boyfriend for tell-all interviews.

"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," 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.

"He has asked for this statement to be issued in the hopes that those in the press who have been driving this story can pause and reflect before any further damage is done.

"He knows that it is unusual to issue a statement like this, but hopes that fair-minded people will understand why he has felt it necessary to speak publicly."