Prince Harry, Meghan in ‘near catastrophic car chase’ in New York

According to their spokesperson, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and her mother, Doria Ragland, were involved in a “near catastrophic car chase” involving paparazzi in New York. This is according to the BBC. 

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HARRY, MEGHAN INVOLVED IN ALLEGED CAR CHASE WITH PAPARAZZI IN NYC

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, were reportedly involved in a “near catastrophic car chase” involving paparazzi, a spokesperson for the couple says, as per BBC.

The incident reportedly occurred after the trio attended the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards gala in New York. Meghan was awarded for her “‘global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls.”

Their spokesperson said the “relentless pursuit” lasted more than two hours. And it resulted in “multiple near collisions.”

“This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and two NYPD officers,” the spokesperson said, according to CNN.

Chris Sanchez, a member of the couple’s security teamo spoke to CNN:

“I have never seen, experienced anything like this,” he said. “What we were dealing with was very chaotic. There were about a dozen vehicles: cars, scooters, and bicycles.”

“The Sussexes were scared – but were relieved when they returned to the apartment where they were staying, he added.

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POLICE CONFIRMS THE INCIDENT

BBC reports that the New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed an incident took place. It is said that numerous photographers “made their [Harry and Meghan’s] transport challenging.”

CNN reports another local law enforcement source corroborated parts of Harry and Meghan’s account.

The source said the couple was followed by a “swarm” of paparazzi in cars, motorcycles, and scooters after they left the gala.

According to the publication, a protective team from the New York Police Department (NYPD) followed the Duke and Duchess in another car. They were also forced to make some avoidance maneuvers to get away from the paparazzi, the source said.

“Paparazzi on scooters and bikes zoomed down the sidewalk to keep up,” the source said. “There were many close calls, including short stops between the front and backs of cars, but none resulted in a crash,” the source added.

No injuries or arrests were reported, the police said.

NOT EVERYONE IS CONVINCED THAT IT REALLY HAPPENED.

Since the alleged incidents, various claims have surfaced indicating at least half a dozen cars were involved.

During an interview with Washington Post, the cab driver who picked up Prince Harry, Meghan, Doria, and a security officer after the event, Sukhcharn Singh, said they started their fate at about 11:00 pm on Tuesday.

According to Singh, however he never felt in danger during the 10-minute journey to their destination. He also said he would not see their ride as “a chase.”

“They were quiet and seemed scared, but it’s New York – it’s safe,” he said, explaining that he dropped the passengers off at the police station at the security officer’s request.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2020 stepped down from royal duties in 2020. They claimed the decision was partly because of the harassment from the UK tabloids.

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