Meghan, Duchess of Sussex accompanied by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex visit the Tembisa Township to learn about Youth Employment Services during their royal tour of South Africa on October 02, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage)

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced legal action against the Mail on Sunday for their decision to publish a private letter that Meghan sent to her estranged father, Thomas Markle. 

A statement was released by Prince Harry on Tuesday detailing the harm caused by the British tabloid press to Meghan, specifically in regards to their publication of Meghan’s private letter in which she pleaded with her father to stop feeding lies to the media. 

Published in February, the letter was “published unlawfully in an intentionally destructive manner to manipulate you, the reader, and further the divisive agenda of the media group in question. In addition to their unlawful publication of this private document, they purposely misled you by strategically omitting select paragraphs, specific sentences, and even singular words to mask the lies they had perpetuated for over a year,” the statement read. 

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit the British High Commissioner’s residence to attend an afternoon reception to celebrate the UK and South Africa’s important business and investment relationship, in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)

“There is a human cost to this relentless propaganda, specifically when it is knowingly false and malicious, and though we have continued to put on a brave face – as so many of you can relate to – I cannot begin to describe how painful it has been.”

The Duke and Duchess have filed a claim against Associated Newspapers over the misuse of private information, infringement of copyright and breach of the Data Protection Act 2018.

The case is being privately funded by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Pending a Court ruling, proceeds from any damages will be donated to an anti-bullying charity.

The coverage of Harry and Meghan’s relationship, particularly by the British tabloids, has been relentless and often cruel since the couple got together. After their marriage, the tabloids have tried to suggest, or manufacture, a rift between Harry and Meghan and William and Kate, as well as attack the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on a regular basis for the eco-warriors’ use of private jets, Meghan’s appearance at Wimbledon, how they parent baby Archie, and a host of other negative and often fictional “stories”. 

Following a landmark week touring South Africa, in which Harry and Meghan demonstrated why they are one of the most powerful philanthropic couples on the planet, Harry has made it crystal clear that he’s no longer going to put up with the same vile behaviour from the press that played a part in sending Princess Diana to an early grave. 

Harry, we salute you. Your mother would be very proud.