Car chase affair: Did it make Prince William hate Harry even more?
What’s going on with the royals and the paparazzi these days? Recent reports of a “near-catastrophic” car chase involving Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the paparazzi in New York City have sent shockwaves through royal circles, raising a flurry of questions and prompting no shortage of commentary. What does this affair have to do with Will and Kate?
Let’s take a moment to see what the real details of this affair show and whether or not there’s any truth to it.
Their take
A friend of Prince William, seeking anonymity, didn’t hold back, contrasting Harry and Meghan’s reaction to the incident with the stoicism exhibited by William and Kate Middleton in similar situations. “William and Kate have endured this sort of thing before,” the friend shared with the Daily Beast, suggesting that ‘hysterical statements’ about the affair may not be the best response.
This anonymous confidante also called out Harry and Meghan’s recent attendance at the Women of Vision Awards, an event in stark contrast to their stated intention of quitting royal duties for a quieter life. The friend questioned, “If flashbulbs trigger Harry, why attend award ceremonies?”
A friend of King Charles III echoed the sentiments, acknowledging Harry’s feelings of unease around the paparazzi but urging a less confrontational approach to the whole affair. Charles understands how intimidating photographers can be, the friend explained, but firmly believes that complaining only worsens the situation.
Yet despite the ripples caused by the paparazzi incident, reports suggest that no member of the royal family has reached out to Harry and Meghan. Can we say that we are very surprised?
Truly chased?
Accounts of the incident tell a harrowing story. A source claimed that Harry, Meghan, and Meghan’s mom, Doria Ragland, were “extremely upset and shaken” after a nerve-wracking two-hour attempt to escape relentless photographers. The ordeal allegedly included near misses with other drivers and pedestrians, one cameraman hitting a car, and another nearly running over a police officer.
A representative for the Sussexes condemned the “highly aggressive paparazzi,” emphasizing that public interest should not compromise safety. However, the severity of the event is contested by others present.
Photo agency Backgrid USA challenged the claims made by the Sussexes, stating that its freelance photographers had not endangered the couple. The NYPD, too, stated that Harry and Meghan had arrived at their destination without any collisions or summonses, and officers had assisted the royals’ security team in ensuring their safe arrival.
A high-ranking police officer contested the reported timeline, claiming the chase “definitely wasn’t two hours long.” Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are reportedly pushing for Backgrid to release footage of the incident to corroborate their narrative.
Shaky questions
This latest incident highlights the ongoing estrangement between Harry and his elder relatives, Prince William and King Charles. Since stepping back from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have often criticized the monarchy in interviews and Harry’s memoir, “Spare.”
Interestingly, Harry did make an appearance at Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation, without Meghan, before flying back to California to celebrate his son’s birthday.
So, with all these contrasting accounts and continued tensions within the royal family, the question lingers: what’s really happening behind the palace gates, and can this rift ever be healed?
_
What do you think is true? What do you want to be true? Tell us below.
