Priyanka Chopra defends close friend Meghan Markle and says she’s ‘100% a victim of racism’

PRIYANKA Chopra says Meghan Markle is "100% a victim of racism", as she defended her close friend following a public backlash.

But the Hollywood actress, 36, who's married to singer Nick Jonas, 26, told the the Duchess of Sussex is unfazed by her critics.

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"100%," Priyanka said, "it has to do with racism, it's an obvious reason. But the beauty of Meg is that she’s been herself through all of this.

"A lot of people got to know her after everything (once she started dated Prince Harry), but I knew her before and she’s the same chick."

Meghan, 37, is the first mixed race member of the royal family. Her mother Doria Ragland, 62, is African-American.

Since marrying Harry, 34, last May, Meghan has faced negative rumours including that of a feud with Kate Middleton and Palace staff nicknaming her 'Duchess Difficult'.

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Priyanka, who was born in India, added: "I’ve seen that and it’s really unfortunate. But if there’s anyone who can handle it, it’s her."

Priyanka also insisted that Meghan is a progressive, modern girl, who should be relatable to the British public - describing her as a self-made woman who looks like all of us.

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Priyanka bonded with Meghan when they were both filming in Canada.

There were rumours the pair had fallen out when the actress missed Meghan's luxury New York baby shower, but Priyanka put these to bed when she visited baby Archie in Windsor recently.

Archie is Meghan and Harry's first baby and was born on May 6.