Dozens of women MPs sign letter in support of Meghan Markle

Dozens of female members of the U.K. Parliament on Tuesday signed a letter in solidarity with Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle over her struggles with the British press.

{mosads}“As Women MPs of all political persuasions, we wanted to express our solidarity with you in taking a stand against the often distasteful and misleading nature of the stories printed in a number of our national newspapers concerning you, your character and your family,” the letter states.

“On occasions, stories and headlines have represented an invasion of your privacy and have sought to cast aspersions about your character, without any good reason as far as we can see,” the letter continues.  

Holly Lynch, an MP from Halifax in the U.K., tweeted the letter, saying, “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.” It is signed by more than 70 MPs.

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. pic.twitter.com/ytLHG5qPf4

— Holly Lynch MP (@HollyLynch5) October 29, 2019

Earlier this month, Prince Harry and Markle announced that they are filing a lawsuit against a British tabloid for allegedly publishing portions of a private letter written by Markle.

A clip from an ITV interview with Markle went viral last week after the announcement, with Markle tearfully explaining the media scrutiny she has faced as a new mother and during her pregnancy.

“Not many people have asked if I’m ok … it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes.”

Meghan reveals to ITV’s @tombradby the intense media spotlight has left her struggling to cope while becoming a mum #HarryAndMeghan https://t.co/Uy21iE6ozJ pic.twitter.com/kZqhZV66OL

— ITV News (@itvnews) October 18, 2019

The Tuesday letter criticized media coverage of Markle as having “what can only be described as outdated, colonial undertones.” 

“As women Members of Parliament from all backgrounds, we stand with you in saying it cannot be allowed to go unchallenged,” the letter states. “Although we find ourselves being women in public life in a very different way to you, we share an understanding of the abuse and intimidation which is now so often used as a means of disparaging women in public office from getting on with our very important work.”

The MPs also vowed to “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.”