PUSHED ΤΟ THE LIMIT

AS THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SUSSEX FACE YET MORE BACKLASH, MEGHAN MARKLE IS SPIRALING

MEGHAN MARKLE was pointed as she accepted the Woman of Vision Award at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 16 in New York City. "The narrative on repeat that surrounded me allowed me to recognize that part of my greater purpose in life was to advocate M for those who felt unheard," the 41-year-old said as she claimed the honor, seeming to refer to her troubled history with the royal family, adding, "and to be not afraid of saying what you know is true." The former Suits star had brought husband Prince Harry and her mom, Doria Ragland, along to the high-profile event.

"She was so excited," a source tells Star.

But just a few hours later, the notion of truth was already being put to the test. Harry, 38, and Meghan claimed they were involved in a "near catastrophic car chase" with the paparazzi that lasted more than two hours. Despite some initial sympathy-and obvious comparisons to the tragic car accident that killed Harry's mother, Princess Diana, in 1997 the couple was quickly accused of exaggerating the severity of the incident and playing the victim card yet again. Now sources say an emotionally fragile Meghan is spiraling as her plans to succeed after she and Harry left the royal family in early 2020 have fizzled. "The whole New York trip turned into a total farce," says the source.

"Meghan is still picking herself off the floor and trying to make sense of it all. She's very upset."

FACT VS. FICTION

There are conflicting stories about what really happened after Harry and Meghan left the Ziegfeld. One member of their security team, Chris Sanchez, described a chaotic scene.