What Does The Royal Family Think Of Meghan Markle?

If you haven't been keeping up with Prince Harry's love life, you've missed something major. Prince Harry is dating actor Meghan Markle (you might know her from Suits). Oh, and apparently, according to the rumors, things are "serious." Serious enough that the possibility of a Royal Wedding doesn't even sound like a pipe dream any longer. Except this, of course, was all royal speculation until Tuesday, when Prince Harry released a statement confirming his relationship with Markle and defending her in the process. You see, apparently once news broke that Markle and Prince Harry could be an item, vitriol was sprung on the actress faster than you can say "fifth-in-line to the British throne." But whether or not random — and probably jealous — people of the internet and tabloid world approve of Harry's new girl isn't really a topic worth noting. (There will always be naysayers.) The real question is: Does the royal family like Meghan Markle?

Pardon the obvious pun, but from all I can discern, the royal family believes that there's nobody more suited (wink wink) for the role of the prince's number-one gal than Markle. In a statement posted to the Kensington Palace Twitter account, the palace scolded the treatment of Markle in the media. Various sites shamed Markle's hometown, tried to throw family members of hers under the bus, and even jeopardized her safety. Here's the full statement:

According to the official note, Prince Harry "knows it is unusual to issue a statement like this," and those who follow the family can endorse that. Which means that these words speak volumes about the royal family's approval of Markle. She must truly be a special addition to Prince Harry's life — and for that matter, theirs. It doesn't seem that we can simply write this off as an example of good royal etiquette. (It's far too long and well thought out a note for that.) Let's be clear on this: The royal family likes Markle. They Sally Field like her. They really like her.

The statement also aims to humanize Markle and asks the media to consider the error in their ways. It reads,

It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm. He [Prince Harry] 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.

Hear, hear! (Or some other British way of confirming agreement.)

Not that anyone deserves this kind of treatment, but it especially feels misdirected at Markle, a star who also appears to be a — wait for it — good-natured human and — gasp — not one that aims to use her status in the royal family as a way to boost fame. (To corroborate this, please see: Markle being global ambassador for World Vision and serving as a U.N. Women’s advocate for women’s leadership and political participation.) So, media and anonymous people of the web, maybe back off on this one? The royal family is asking nicely.