[BOOK 1]
Life in the public eye is very tricky, especially when you are a prince and a well-known singer. This story captures the relationship of Harry and Rihanna and all the up and downs of their lives in front of the world.
When I'm ready to fall...
Prince Harry Confirms He Is Dating Rihanna as He Defends Her from Racist, Sexist Abuse
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It's official!
Prince Harry issued a rare statement Tuesday both confirming that he is dating singer Rihanna and slamming what he calls the racist and sexist abuse she has endured since her relationship with him was revealed.
In a groundbreaking plea to the media — and people around the world — the royal says he has been worried about Fenty's safety since she's been subjected to a "wave of abuse and harassment."
The statement, which was released by his communications secretary, begins: "Since he was young, Prince Harry has been very aware of the warmth that has been extended to him by members of the public. He feels lucky to have so many people supporting him and knows what a fortunate and privileged life he leads.
"He is also aware that there is significant curiosity about his private life. He has never been comfortable with this, but he has tried to develop a thick skin about the level of media interest that comes with it. He has rarely taken formal action on the very regular publication of fictional stories that are written about him and he has worked hard to develop a professional relationship with the media, focused on his work and the issues he cares about.
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"But the past week has seen a line crossed. His girlfriend, Rihanna, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment. Some of this has been very public — the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments. Some of it has been hidden from the public — the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, and loved one in her life.
"Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Fenty'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. Fenty 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.
"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. He knows that it is unusual to issue a statement like this, but hopes that fair-minded people will understand why he has felt it necessary to speak publicly."
The prince, 33, and the singer, 30, have been dating seriously for about a year, PEOPLE confirmed last week. Things are moving so quickly, in fact, that Harry has already introduced Fenty to his brother and sister in law, and his father (and the future king of England), Prince Charles, PEOPLE has learned.
"Harry is pretty serious about her and she is pretty serious about him," says a pal. Adds another close friend: "It's great. They have a lot in common and I'm sure they will get on very well."
