Harry Draws Parallels Between Paparazzi Pursuit of Diana and Meghan’s Online Struggles

In the second episode of their much-talked-about Netflix series, Prince Harry opened up about the distressing similarities between the relentless paparazzi that pursued his mother, Princess Diana, and the online harassment faced by his wife, Meghan Markle.

He expressed his anguish over witnessing another woman he loves endure what he described as a “feeding frenzy” from the media and social media trolls.

The episode kicks off in New York City during November 2021, where Harry and Meghan are seen getting into a car.

A bodyguard is heard discussing strategies to evade photographers who are lurking nearby.

As they find themselves ensnared in a traffic jam, the couple notices a photographer on a scooter tailing them, prompting Meghan to ask if it's the same person again.

The bodyguard confirms it, but it turns out the supposed paparazzo is simply a man on a city bike without a camera.

It's a stark reminder of the lengths to which these photographers go, often spending hours circling the city, hoping for a fleeting glimpse of the couple.

Harry humorously noted that the lone photographer on a scooter seemed to be more of an unwitting participant than a determined stalker.

“Someone find the dude on the scooter,” he quipped, suggesting that the situation was more absurd than threatening.

Harry elaborated on the cycle of harassment that follows once photos are published.

He stated, “Once the photographs are out and the story is next to it, then comes the social media harassment.” His words reflect a deep-seated concern for Meghan, emphasizing how painful it is for him to watch her navigate this hostile environment.

He likened their dynamic to a predator-prey relationship, highlighting the imbalance of power in the media landscape.

Adding fuel to the fire, royal expert Ingrid Seward pointed out a significant blunder in the documentary's promotional materials.

She revealed that some images used in the trailer were stock photos, easily identifiable as such.

This careless oversight, she argued, undermines Harry's assertions about protecting his family and casts doubt on the authenticity of their narrative.

Critics of the couple have not held back, suggesting that Netflix might be playing a shrewd game behind the scenes.

One royal fan speculated that while Harry and Meghan believe they are steering their own story, they might actually be setting themselves up for ridicule.

The narrative, they argue, is riddled with exaggerated claims and generalizations lacking solid evidence.

The use of stock images instead of real paparazzi photos only adds to the perceived absurdity.

Observers have questioned why the couple wouldn't showcase actual photographers if they wanted to highlight their plight.

The portrayal of a dramatic chase involving a single photographer on a moped has been met with skepticism, with many finding it laughable rather than alarming.

Moreover, viewers have noted moments in the series that seem to invite critique, such as Harry's reaction to Meghan making light of the Queen.