Prince Harry and Prince William denied any “bullying” played a role in Meghan Markle and Harry’s decision to step back as “senior” royals.
The joint statement was made Monday after a report claimed the Princes had a falling out because of the way William treated Markle, according to a report published by Page Six.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex arrive to attend Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on December 25, 2018 in King’s Lynn, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
“Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge,” Prince Harry and Prince William said in a joint statement. “For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful.”
It has been speculated that the statement was issued after a Times of London article claimed a feud began between the brothers after Harry introduced Markle to William and wife Kate Middleton.
“Quite early on they decided, right, ‘We are going to tell these people their place and we are going to push them away,'” the source said of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate. (RELATED: REPORT: Queen Elizabeth II Calls Private Meeting With Prince Harry, Prince Charles, Prince William After Prince Harry’s ‘Step Back’)
“If you are Meghan and Harry and you have had two years of constantly being told your place, constantly bullied as they would see it, constantly being told what you can’t do, Meghan has been thinking, ‘This is just nuts. Why would anyone put up with this?'” the source continued.
Two other sources close to the couple denied a feud existed or that William was attempting to force Harry out.
The statement comes before Prince William, Prince Charles and Prince Harry are set to meet with Queen Elizabeth II regarding Harry’s decision to “step back” from his “senior” role.