A COMMITTED Reading FC fan who used the social media handle 'Sussexroyal' as a nod towards his beloved football team (nicknamed the Royals) and his home county of Sussex has found himself evicted from Instagram after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex created an account with the same name.

Kevin Keiley, 55, said although he doesn't post much on his Twitter or Instagram accounts, he uses them often to follow accounts and 'like' posts.

He said: "I was a bit surprised.

"I still have my Twitter but yesterday my son texted me out the blue, saying 'haha, you've lost your Twitter handle' and I was like 'what are you talking about?'

"Apparently Instragram said as far as they are concerned, my Instagram account was dormant.

"Now suddenly it's blown up a bit - I am getting a lot of fans of the Royals telling me to give up my Twitter account, which isn't very nice.

"Sussex Royal is my fall back for everything and all my usernames.

"I use it for everything and it's always been my social media name."

Speaking about his supporting of Reading FC, Mr Keiley, who lives in Worthing, said: "I used to live in Windsor and always supported the team.

"I moved out here about 20 years ago.

"I just want it all to be left alone really - I want them to just let me have my handle which I've always had.

"I have had no contact from Instagram to explain why it happened."

The Royal couple launched their Instagram account, which already has more than one million followers, earlier this week.

In their first post on the account, Harry and Meghan said: "Welcome to our official Instagram; we look forward to sharing the work that drives us, the causes we support, important announcements, and the opportunity to shine a light on key issues. We thank you for your support, and welcome you to @sussexroyal."