Britain's Prince William has released a statement denying claims that he disapproved of brother Harry's statement about his girlfriend, actress Meghan Markle.
Earlier this month, Prince Harry made the unprecedented decision to release a statement confirming his relationship with the Suits star, and condemning the "wave of abuse and harassment" she has suffered.
The 32-year-old royal urged media organisations to refrain from "further damage" as he blasted the smears and "racial undertones" appearing in articles about their relationship.
Articles subsequently surfaced in the media saying Prince William was unhappy about his younger brother releasing the statement, however a spokesperson for Kensington Palace has now denied those reports.
"The Duke of Cambridge absolutely understands the situation concerning privacy and supports the need for Prince Harry to support those closest to him," a spokesperson for Kensington Palace told US showbiz publication Us.
A Palace aide added: "A statement like this would not have been released with The Duke first being consulted."
Kensington Palace has issued a statement this morning about the harassment currently being experienced by Meghan Markle and her family. pic.twitter.com/EuFZ4fmUIj
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 8, 2016
On November 8, a statement posted from the Kensington Palace Twitter account confirmed Prince Harry's relationship with Markle, and condemned her treatment in the media, saying he worried about her safety.
The statement read: "Prince Harry is worried about Ms Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her. 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."
