An insider, speaking to Page Six, alleged that Harry and Meghan had asked The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, for a discounted room, but the hotel refused. As a result, the couple decided to stay at their friend's house on the Upper East Side.
During the alleged "relentless pursuit" by the paparazzi, which lasted over two hours, the couple was reportedly trying not to lead them to their friend's home by not disclosing its location. The insider noted that their desire for privacy led to the car chase incident.
The source further commented that the couple should have simply booked a hotel for everyone's safety instead of trying to find a free place to stay. The insider claimed that Harry and Meghan's team had contacted the Carlyle prior to the trip, requesting a discounted room, but their request was denied.
The source added that if they had paid for a hotel room initially, the dangerous paparazzi chase would not have happened.
The spokesperson for Harry and Meghan described the photographers as highly aggressive and revealed that the chase lasted nearly two hours, resulting in multiple near collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, and police officers.
