Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, recently found themselves in a distressing situation while in New York City. According to their spokesperson, they were involved in a harrowing car chase with paparazzi that could have had catastrophic consequences. The incident occurred after the couple attended the Women of Vision Awards at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
As the Sussexes left the event in a convoy that included Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, they were pursued by a group of photographers. The couple’s spokesperson confirmed that the altercation with the paparazzi lasted for over two hours and involved numerous near collisions and traffic violations. It was a chaotic scene with about a dozen vehicles, including cars, scooters, and bicycles, chasing them through the city streets.
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Chris Sanchez, a member of the couple’s security team, described the situation as alarming and unlike anything he had experienced before. He stated that the safety of the public was compromised multiple times during the chase, and it could have had fatal consequences. The couple, understandably shaken, eventually found solace when they returned to their place of stay.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) acknowledged the challenges faced by the Sussexes’ security team during the incident. They confirmed that there were no reported collisions, injuries, or arrests. While the NYPD’s statement was more subdued, it supported the couple’s account of the events.
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The spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan emphasized that being public figures should never come at the cost of safety. They called on the media not to publish any photographs from the incident, as obtaining them involved highly intrusive and dangerous practices. The couple’s team portrayed the incident as a near-catastrophic car chase involving unidentified individuals driving recklessly and endangering not only the couple but also the surrounding convoy and pedestrians.
Local law enforcement sources corroborated the couple’s account, stating that they were followed by a swarm of paparazzi in cars, motorcycles, and scooters after leaving the event. The NYPD’s protective team had to make evasive maneuvers to distance themselves from the aggressive paparazzi. Close calls occurred, including abrupt stops between cars, but thankfully, no accidents occurred.
The incident received criticism from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who deemed it reckless and irresponsible. He highlighted the importance of public safety and expressed concern, given the tragic history of Princess Diana’s death as a result of paparazzi pursuit.
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Prince Harry has been vocal about the security and privacy of his family, drawing parallels between his wife’s treatment and the relentless pursuit that his mother endured. In a recent documentary series, he spoke out against both physical and online harassment, recognizing the damaging impact it can have.
The incident involving Prince Harry and Meghan underscores the ongoing challenges of dealing with aggressive and invasive paparazzi behavior. It serves as a reminder that public figures should be able to prioritize their safety and well-being without compromising their personal lives.
