In a recent controversial claim, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle suggested their lives were endangered by pursuing paparazzi after a glamorous event in New York City. The couple's allegations, however, have faced significant pushback from the New York Police Department (NYPD), which has officially debunked the royals' assertions.
According to a representative of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, their departure from Manhattan's Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 16 led to an intensive chase involving photojournalists that allegedly lasted over two hours. This pursuit, the rep claims, caused several near misses involving other drivers, pedestrians, and two NYPD officers.
Yet, the NYPD has brushed off these allegations, stating that the purported chase was neither high-speed nor significantly risky. The police department described the situation as logistically "challenging" due to the Sussexes' motorcade continually looping the same blocks.
Despite the Sussexes' comparison of their experience to that of the late Princess Diana's fatal 1997 car crash while fleeing paparazzi, the NYPD has stood by their statement. It seems that the royals' claims were a strategic move to enhance their ongoing legal battle against the British press, focusing on the issue of intrusive paparazzi despite the actual circumstances.
Mayor Eric Adams initially expressed concern over the incident, describing it as "reckless and irresponsible." However, he later revised his stance, expressing skepticism over the possibility of a two-hour chase through Manhattan's typically congested streets. The NYPD further highlighted the lack of collision reports or emergency calls linked to the alleged incident, painting a picture more in line with an average night in the bustling Big Apple.
It's undeniable that Harry and Meghan's high-profile status has attracted considerable media attention. Yet, the nature of their complaint seems exaggerated, considering their usual security measures and the minimal opportunities for photographers to capture them—typically limited to brief instances when they exit their vehicle and enter buildings.
Critics argue that Harry and Meghan's desire for media attention, juxtaposed with their negative portrayal of the press, seems contradictory. The apparent craving for the limelight has raised eyebrows, especially considering the couple's frequent use of their celebrity status for personal gain.
In sum, it appears that the Sussexes' paparazzi woes may be more of a dramatization than a reality. Amidst the sound and fury, one wonders if the only thing louder than their public outcry might be the silence of being overlooked by photographers entirely.