A source close to the Duke of Sussex told PEOPLE that Prince Harry will always protect his wife and family from what he considers unfair and agenda-driven media narratives.

Backlash Over Meghan’s Paris Fashion Week Appearance

Prince Harry is said to be “hurt and upset” by the criticism Meghan Markle faced following her recent trip to Paris. The Duchess of Sussex attended Paris Fashion Week earlier this month and posted a short Instagram video of herself riding through the city with her feet up in the car. Critics, however, accused her of being insensitive, claiming she was near the Pont d’Alma tunnel — the site where Princess Diana tragically died in 1997.

Friends of the couple dismissed the claims as unfounded. Speaking to The Daily Mail, one friend said it was “a hell of a stretch” to suggest Meghan deliberately drove past the tunnel and revealed that Harry was deeply frustrated by the reaction.

“Harry was left hurt and upset. Diana’s death was used as a stick to beat his wife with. [Meghan] did not even pass close to the tunnel,” a source said. “The whole thing is a joke, but not a very funny one for Harry.”

The insider continued, “He was left feeling hurt, but the depressing thing is he wasn’t even that surprised. He was more despondent than shocked.”

A source close to Harry emphasized to PEOPLE that the Duke remains steadfast in his commitment to shielding his family. “Prince Harry will always protect his wife and family from what he sees as unkind, negative, and agenda-driven media narratives,” the source said.