Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, were involved in a “near catastrophic car chase” while being pursued by paparazzi in New York.
The terrifying ordeal took place Tuesday night, with the paparazzi chasing the family for over two hours as they desperately tried to get away. The pursuit resulted in multiple close-call collisions with other drivers.
“While being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone’s safety,” Prince Harry and Meghan’s spokesperson said in a statement.
The New York Police Department said in a statement, “the NYPD assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. There were numerous photographers that made their transport challenging. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in regard.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams briefly commented on the matter, calling it “reckless and irresponsible” for the paparazzi to be chasing anyone in the densely populated area. Nevertheless, reports claim aggressive photographers pursued the couple from the Ziegfeld Ballroom after Markle received the Ms. Foundation’s Women of Vision Award during the foundation’s annual gala. Several NYPD officers were escorting the family and observed the photographers tailing them in cars, motorcycles, and scooters. The officers tried to help Harry, Markle, and Ragland by attempting evasive maneuvers. Unfortunately, the paparazzi began riding on the sidewalks to get close to the vehicle.
Mayor Adams slammed the paparazzi for putting his officers at risk and disregarding the well-being of everyone nearby.
“It’s clear that the paparazzi want to get the right shot, they want to get the right story, but public safety must always be at the forefront,” Adams stated.
The frightening incident coincides with another scary matter the couple is facing. On Monday morning, a stalker was observed lurking around Harry and Markle’s California home. Kevin Garcia Valdovinos was arrested on misdemeanor stalking charges. He has since bonded out.
Harry, Markle, or Ragland have commented publicly on the matter.
