According to an insider close to the couple, the Duke of Sussex was overwhelmed with fear after the incident, to the extent that he was unable to communicate with anyone for several hours. The event triggered painful memories of his mother's tragic death, intensifying his emotional response.
The relentless pursuit endured for over two hours and involved numerous close calls with other vehicles on the road, pedestrians, and even two New York Police Department officers. The entire experience was extremely stressful for Prince Harry, with the source suggesting that it could potentially lead to an emotional breakdown.
This incident served as a stark reminder of the tragic accident that claimed the life of Prince William and Harry's mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. Princess Diana, aged 36 at the time, was being pursued by paparazzi in Paris when the fatal accident occurred. The incident also resulted in the deaths of her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, and the chauffeur, Henri Paul.
Prince Harry, who was just 12 years old when his mother passed away, recounted in his memoir "Spare" the details surrounding the accident, debunking initial media reports. Reflecting on the incident, he wrote, "The speed at which Mummy's car was supposedly traveling, according to the police, was not 120 miles per hour, as the press originally claimed."
Reports indicate that the couple, now residing in California, were followed by a convoy of several unmarked vehicles driven by unidentified individuals. Despite the harrowing experience, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reported to be safe, though deeply affected by the car chase involving the paparazzi.
