Royally Spooked: Meghan Markle Left 'Terrified' of Incident That Exposed Ex-Actress to Reality of Dating Prince Harry

Meghan Markle's introduction to royal life in late 2016 allegedly included a harrowing incident that exposed the stark realities of her new role and reportedly left her "terrified."

This episode is detailed in the 2020 book Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, who wrote: "One night late in October in Toronto, Harry was happy, and so was Meghan. Until they received a call from one of Harry's aides at Kensington Palace."

"It wasn't good news," they added. "A tabloid was going to run with the story of their relationship. Their main worry was that her place would be besieged by photographers within 24 hours."

Harry's official base informed them that a tabloid was about to reveal their relationship. Meghan was particularly distressed when a paparazzi photographer trespassed into her backyard, highlighting the invasive scrutiny they would face.

One significant moment detailed in the tome was when a photographer illegally entered her private property, which left the Duchess-to-be feeling vulnerable and exposed. The scribes went on about how this invasion of privacy was a shocking introduction to the kind of relentless attention she would have to endure.

Prince Harry, who had long been wary of the press due to his mother Princess Diana's experiences, was deeply concerned for Meghan's safety. He recognized the need for heightened security and the constant pressure they would face. The incident underscored the security threats and lack of personal space that come with being part of the royal family, particularly when a spouse-to-be of a senior royal is not yet officially in the Firm.

The book shares how the Toronto incident was a pivotal moment for Meghan, marking the beginning of her tumultuous relationship with the media. It demonstrated the stark contrast between her previous life as a supporting actress and a basic cable procedural dramedy and her new reality as a senior member of the world's most popular monarchy. This experience reportedly shaped her perspective on media and royal life, influencing the couple's future decisions.

Meghan's struggles with the media were ongoing, and she continued to face criticism and scrutiny while working as a senior Crown representative. This contributed to the couple's decision to relocate and seek a more private life in the United States, which is what the pair apparently wished for in early 2020.

Others share a different view of how Meghan's "press discovery" was nothing like previous royal brides.

"There were little to no 'frenzies' surrounding Meghan Markle when they found out about her in 2016," a former palace insider dished. "She had nowhere near the level of media scrutiny in the run-up to an engagement announcement as Diana, Kate, or even Fergie. Apparently she is bitter about that — once an actress, always an actress."

Daily Express reported on excerpts from Finding Freedom.