Meghan Markle gets support in Britain from 72 female MPs

Meghan Markle gets a show of support in Britain from 72 female MPs

Oct. 29, 2019 12:27 PM PT

Meghan Markle has some impressive new support in her quest for fair treatment by the media: 72 female members of Britain’s Parliament.

“Women MPs from all political parties have put aside our differences to stand in solidarity with the Duchess of Sussex today and are sending her this open letter,” MP Holly Lynch, a member of the Labor Party, tweeted Tuesday. She attached a two-page document referring to “stories and headlines” that seemed to violate the duchess’ privacy or cast aspersions on her character.

“[W]e expect the national media to have the integrity to know when a story is in the national interest, and when it is seeking to tear a woman down for no apparent reason,” the letter says. “You have our assurances that we stand with you in solidarity on this. We will use the means at our disposal to ensure that our press accept your right to privacy and show respect, and that their stories reflect the truth.”

Markle, the American actress who became Duchess of Sussex when she married Prince Harry in May 2018, has faced heightened public interest since the two began dating. Articles probing into every aspect of her personal life escalated over the last year, especially in British media, during her pregnancy and after the royals’ child was born.

“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,” Harry said in a lengthy statement in early October. “Because in today’s digital age, press fabrications are repurposed as truth across the globe.”

That statement was issued as the couple sued the Mail on Sunday over publication of a personal letter sent by Meghan to her father. Harry also filed lawsuits shortly thereafter against the owners of the Sun and the Daily Mirror, alleging phone hacking.

In their open letter Tuesday, the MPs also called out “what can only be described as outdated, colonial undertones to some of these stories,” alluding to the fact that the duchess is of mixed race.

“As women Members of Parliament from all backgrounds, we stand with you in saying it cannot be allowed to go unchallenged,” the letter said.