A READING FC fan whose Instagram account was cancelled because the Duke and Duchess of Sussex created a page with the same name has been forced to quit Twitter amid abuse he has received for wanting an apology from Instagram.

Kevin Keiley, 55, was shocked last week to discover that his Instragram page, with the handle 'SussexRoyal' was deactivated because Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined the photo-sharing social media app with the same handle.

Speaking to The Reading Chronicle last week, Mr Keiley said he used the username, a combination of his home county of Sussex and his beloved Reading FC, for everything.

He said: "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."

Instagram didn't contact Mr Keiley about the account but instead changed the handle to read '@_sussexroyal_ '.

Talking 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."

Now Mr Keiley has had to give up his Twitter account after facing harassment from people who believe the handle should be available as an option to the Royal couple, should they wish to join Twitter.

He posted on the social media site on Saturday, April 6, stating: "Due to the constant abuse I have been receiving I have made the decision to close this Twitter account.

"Should free it up nicely for anyone wanting the sussexroyal handle.

"Just to put the record straight I have never received a penny nor do I want anything."

He later Tweeted: "All I have ever asked is for an apology from Instagram.

"I continue to say I have nothing against Prince Harry or his family but that does not put people off the abuse."

He has since said that he is 'considering things' and will have to have a think about how he will handle the bizarre situation.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex launched their Instagram account, which already has more than one million followers, last 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."