Meghan Markle has shared a powerful message to the people who have supported her.

Actress Meghan Markle has urged fans to lead by example after suffering weeks of criticism for her relationship with Prince Harry.

Markle, 35, and Prince Harry, 32, have been publicly dating since early November after an official statement by Kensington Palace confirmed the rumours.

The actress has been a target of varying abuse on social media for the romance as members of the public seemingly reject her as a suitable candidate. Criticism and outright hate directed towards Markle has grown so extreme that even Kensington Palace released a statement in regards to her her safety.

“Prince Harry is worried about Ms Markle’s safety,” it read.

Markle who has been largely quiet on social media since news broke, shared a message with fans on Friday that urged them to “be the change they wish to see.”

The shared quote by Mahatma Gandhi was followed by a shout out to friends and followers for their support during an understandably difficult time.

"Sending extra love to Emily, Sol, Domi, Hannah, Sih, Doris, JessyScarlett and all of you who have been so supportive. I've missed you guys," she wrote.

The message has attracted a great reaction from fans who have tweeted back words of support.

"I'm a Brit & I believe love conquers everything, so hold your head high and live your life," one fan wrote.

"Screw the haters; you are a wonderful lady and that is that. Keep calm and carry on," another fan wrote.

Criticism directed towards the actress has not just come from strangers but also from those in her immediate family.

Speaking to The Sun, Markle's 51-year-old half-sister, Samantha Grant, described the actress as "shallow, narcissistic" and devoted to "social climbing."

Grant, who claims to have spent 12 years raising her now 35-year-old sister said,“The royal family would be appalled by what she’s done to her own family."

The relationship between Markle and Prince Harry is said to have only been struck up a few months ago.

Listen: Mamamia Out Loud discusses the attacks on Meghan Markle.