The New York Police Department (NYPD) has confirmed the occurrence of a distressing car chase involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in New York City on May 16 last year, shedding light on the perilous situation that unfolded as the couple was pursued by paparazzi. In a decisive move, the NYPD has indicated plans to make arrests following an in-depth investigation into the incident, which has been described as "near catastrophic" by representatives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Documents related to Prince Harry's legal case regarding his security arrangements revealed a letter from John B. Hart, Chief of Intelligence at the NYPD, outlining the investigation's findings. The letter, dated December 6, 2023, highlighted the "reckless disregard of vehicle and traffic laws" by the paparazzi and detailed the dangerous maneuvers that forced Harry and Meghan's security team, accompanied by an NYPD lead car, to take evasive actions to ensure the couple's safety.
The harrowing chase, which ensued after the Sussexes attended the "Ms. Foundation 2023 Women of Vision Awards" in Manhattan, saw aggressive paparazzi employing vehicles, scooters, and bicycles in a manner that posed significant risks to the couple, their security personnel, and the public. The NYPD, in consultation with the Manhattan District Attorney's office, has identified sufficient evidence to arrest two individuals for reckless endangerment, marking a serious response to the incident's gravity.
In the wake of the car chase, the NYPD has taken proactive measures to enhance the security arrangements for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their future visits to New York. Hart's letter mentioned a "thorough review" of the incident leading to "certain changes to the security posture" for the couple, underscoring the commitment to their protection amid such threats.
The ordeal left a lasting impact, with the Sussexes' spokesperson at the time condemning the "relentless pursuit" by the paparazzi that led to "multiple near collisions" and jeopardized the safety of pedestrians and NYPD officers. The spokesperson emphasized that public interest in public figures should never compromise safety.
The NYPD's involvement in assisting the couple's private security team during the chase and the absence of reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests highlights the precarious nature of the situation. At one point, Harry, Meghan, and Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, were compelled to switch vehicles and use a yellow cab to elude the pursuing paparazzi, illustrating the lengths to which they had to go to avoid further danger.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the incident, criticizing the paparazzi's "reckless and irresponsible" behavior and referencing the tragic death of Princess Diana to underscore the potential risks of such chases. Although Mayor Adams questioned the likelihood of a high-speed chase given New York's notorious traffic, the incident has reignited discussions about the paparazzi's aggressive tactics and the need for stringent measures to protect individuals' safety.
As the NYPD moves forward with its plans to make arrests, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unscrupulous paparazzi behavior and the importance of upholding public safety and respect for individuals' privacy, especially in high-profile cases such as that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.