The Duchess of Sussex has opened up about the profound psychological impact of media scrutiny in a recently unearthed video, creating unsettling echoes of the treatment her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, faced before her tragic death.
In the emotional footage, Meghan Markle describes the relentless pursuit by photographers as "terrifying," revealing how the constant surveillance has left lasting scars on her mental wellbeing. Her candid confession comes as royal watchers note disturbing parallels between her experience and the events leading up to Diana's fatal car crash in Paris' Pont de l'Alma tunnel in 1997.
The Haunting Comparison
Royal commentators have expressed alarm at the similarities between Meghan's current situation and the circumstances surrounding Princess Diana's death. Both women found themselves relentlessly hunted by paparazzi, with their every movement documented by aggressive photographers seeking the perfect shot.
"When you can feel that level of hatred, it's terrifying," Meghan revealed in the video, her words taking on new significance in light of historical context. The Duchess spoke of feeling "overwhelmed" by the media attention, particularly during her pregnancies with Archie and Lilibet.
A Family History Repeating?
Prince Harry has frequently voiced his fears about history repeating itself, having witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of media intrusion. The Duke of Sussex has been vocal about his belief that the same press pack that hunted his mother is now targeting his wife.
In his memoir "Spare," Harry detailed his ongoing trauma from losing his mother and his determination to protect his family from similar treatment. The newly surfaced video of Meghan's distress adds another layer to this ongoing royal narrative.
The Psychological Toll
Mental health experts have weighed in on the situation, noting that the type of relentless media attention described by Meghan can have severe psychological consequences. The constant feeling of being watched, followed, and judged creates what psychologists call "hypervigilance" - a state of heightened awareness that can lead to anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress.
Meghan's description of putting her "feet on the seat" of vehicles to avoid being photographed through windows highlights the extreme measures she feels compelled to take for basic privacy.
A Broader Conversation About Media Ethics
The resurfaced video has reignited discussions about press ethics and the boundaries of celebrity journalism. Many are questioning whether enough has been done to protect public figures from the kind of aggressive pursuit that contributed to Princess Diana's death.
Royal biographers and media analysts are now examining whether the lessons from 1997 have been properly learned, or if the digital age has simply created new ways for the same destructive patterns to continue.
