Dylan Alcott tells critics to ‘lay off’ his friends Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Alcott tells critics to ‘lay off’ his friends Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – after they revealed their struggle with negative press

Wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott has come to the defence of his friends, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 

The five-time Australian Open champion praised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, after the pair had revealed in an ITV documentary they were struggling with the onslaught of negative press.

Speaking with Now To Love at the 2019 ARIA Awards on Wednesday, Dylan said the Royals didn’t deserve much of the criticism thrown in their direction.

‘They get a bad rap so lay off them because they’re very nice people’: Wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott has come to the defence of his friends, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

‘[Harry] is a good man, so is his beautiful partner,’ the 28-year-old athlete said. 

‘They get a bad rap, so lay off them because they’re very nice people.’ 

Dylan met Harry and Meghan in Australia during the Invictus Games in 2018. 

Not coping: The five-time Australian Open champion praised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, after the pair had revealed in an ITV documentary they were struggling with the negative press

Not coping: The five-time Australian Open champion praised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, after the pair had revealed in an ITV documentary they were struggling with the negative press

It comes after Dylan revealed in October that he couldn’t be happier since finding love with Melbourne-based sexologist Chantelle Otten.

In an interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly, the rising TV star and disability advocate said he rarely wakes up without a smile these days – and it’s all down to his supportive family and girlfriend.

Reflecting on his recent triumphs, he said: ‘I love life. I have a beautiful family and a beautiful partner and it’s very rare that I don’t wake up happy.’

Blossoming romance: It comes after Dylan revealed in October that he couldn't be happier since finding love with Melbourne-based sexologist Chantelle Otten (left)

Blossoming romance: It comes after Dylan revealed in October that he couldn’t be happier since finding love with Melbourne-based sexologist Chantelle Otten (left)

Dylan, whose ABC music show, The Set, won a Logie Award this year, praised Chantelle for her unfailing support.

‘I couldn’t have done any of this without mum, dad and [my brother] Zack, and now Chantelle, around me to support and encourage me,’ he said.

‘People might look at me and feel sorry for me, but don’t feel sorry for me! I’m living a better life than anyone I know. Life is awesome,’ he added.

Rising star: Dylan is a wheelchair athlete, disability advocate and rising TV star. Pictured at the 2019 Logie Awards on Sunday, June 30

Rising star: Dylan is a wheelchair athlete, disability advocate and rising TV star. Pictured at the 2019 Logie Awards on Sunday, June 30

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