It really doesn’t matter what you think of Meghan Markle. When men like Jeremy Clarkson lash out against her, he uses her as a warning sign for all women: if you step out of line, if you do something men don’t like, you’re at risk of the same treatment. Men can attack your character, fantasise about women being humiliated and loudly declare their hatred of you, and in many cases, they’ll get away with it.

Prince Harry is right – we are facing a pandemic of violence against women, and it’s on everyone to stop the spread. Acknowledging the ripple effect of comments like these, and refusing to let them fly, is a vital first step.

This is part of the culture shift Stylist is working towards as part of our A Fearless Future campaign. This is a series that aims to challenge the attitudes that underpin, encourage and tolerate male violence against women and girls in our society; attitudes that were exemplified in the Clarkson column.

A Fearless Future is about understanding that laws can only go so far in protecting women – we need a full overhaul of our misogynistic culture. Noticing when these moments of sexism happen matters, and encouraging widespread change is essential, not just in the form of acts of violence against women, but in every incident that sends the message that this is OK.

The Clarkson column was an attack on Meghan Markle, but also yet another shot fired in the onslaught against all women. The hate Meghan receives isn’t just an attempt to intimidate her, but to make us all afraid. We can’t let it slide.

Prince Harry made a vital point about that Jeremy Clarkson column