Prince Harry devastated by ‘malicious attack’

Prince Harry has been left ‘vulnerable’ and ‘violated’ after a prank call.

The Duke of Sussex was led to believe he was speaking with climate change activist Greta Thunberg and her parents, however it was later revealed to be Russian hoaxers.

WATCH: Prince Harry fooled by Russian comedians in phone interview

HeirPod host Omid Scobie spoke to foreign correspondent Maggie Rulli about why Harry felt ‘vulnerable’ after the hoax.

“I spoke with a source close to Harry earlier in the week,” Omid said during the podcast.

He continued: “He wasn’t so concerned about what was said on the call and that being out there

“He stands by what he says, he’s not there to hide anything from anyone.

“But it’s that feeling of violation, it’s not a pleasant feeling to experience.”

“I think the fact that the audio didn’t just go out through the usual channels to this duo’s YouTube channel.

“It got sold to this British tabloid who were eager to exploit the contents of it for sales so to make Harry look stupid.”

Maggie added that the prank was “malicious” and “gut-wrenching”.

She continued: “They had just had this huge trip back to the UK, all eyes were on them.

“So to have it come out when the trip was still wrapping up and Harry was by himself and vulnerable was bad.

“The timing was also just an extra stick-in-the-eye.”

The pranksters - who also hoaxed other celebs including Elton John - reportedly then sold the calls to The Sun.

Maggie added: “They’re doing this for monetary gain, for subscribers.

“It’s mean and they clearly do not have anyone’s best interests at heart.”

The news comes after a report claiming Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have been left ‘crushed’ after their shock exit from the royal family.

The royal parents to baby Archie Harrison stepped down as senior members of the royal family on March 31.

“To say they were crushed is an understatement,” Omid told Bazaar.com, adding it was “unnecessarily cruel," and that “Things might have been different if a family member or two had stood up for them during the darkest times.”

“While recent tabloid coverage has made it seem like the Sussexes’ half-in-half-out bid was about wanting it all, the reality was a couple who were left with no other choice but to create their own change after being left to fend for themselves against impossible circumstances — even during her pregnancy.”

“They knew something had to change, but they also didn’t want to stop supporting the queen. One can’t help but wonder if things might have been different if a family member or two had stood up for them during the darkest times.”

“For a couple who only ever wanted to focus on their work and bring good to the world, it seems like an unnecessarily cruel ending to their royal lives. Forced to give up roles they’re incredibly proud of after sacrificing so much to get there.”

Originally published on New Idea.