Meghan Markle is suing the British tabloid that published a letter she wrote to her father

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is suing The Mail and its parent company Associated Newspapers. It's an unusual step that Prince Harry explained in a deeply personal statement that was released on Tuesday.

The announcement comes after the British tabloid published the contents of a private letter she wrote to her estranged father.

"The contents of a private letter were published unlawfully in an intentionally destructive manner to manipulate you, the reader, and further the divisive agenda of the media group in question," Prince Harry said in the statement. He added that they also omitted paragraphs and sentences to "mask the lies they had perpetuated for over a year."

He further highlighted the importance of a responsible press and was very critical of British tabloid media, calling it "bullying" and "relentless propaganda."

"I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person," the statement reads. "I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces."

According to the statement, proceeds from any damages collected in the suit will be donated to an anti-bullying charity.