Markle and Prince Harry’s Harrowing Experience with Paparazzi Emphasizes the Risks of Invasive Media Pursuit
Markle and Prince Harry, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, faced a terrifying car chase with paparazzi one night in New York City. The event, described by their representative as “almost catastrophic,” happened after they left the Women of Vision Awards at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. Pursued by persistent photographers, the couple and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, were left shaken but thankfully unharmed.
The security team of the couple reported that “numerous” photographers made their travel challenging, but thankfully, there were no accidents, injuries, or arrests. Nonetheless, the spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess stated that the encounter with the paparazzi was a prolonged and dangerous ordeal. Lasting over two hours, the relentless pursuit led to multiple close calls, endangering not only the royal couple but also other drivers, pedestrians, and even two NYPD officers.
Security staff involved in protecting the couple described the chaotic nature of the incident. The paparazzi, in various vehicles from cars to scooters, mopeds, and electric bikes, forced the Sussexes to switch cars during the chase. Thomas Buda, overseeing a private security company contracted to assist the couple, disclosed that the chase began as soon as Harry and Meghan left the Ziegfeld Ballroom, lasting an intense 90 minutes.
The paparazzi’s aggressive pursuit included breaking traffic rules, running red lights, and driving against traffic on busy Manhattan streets. Chris Sanchez, a member of the security team, expressed shock, noting that he had never experienced such a situation before. The safety of the public was compromised multiple times during the chase, causing fear and relief for the couple upon reaching the safety of their residence. Sanchez stressed the seriousness of the situation, recognizing that it could have had fatal consequences.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed the essence of the couple’s story, albeit in more measured terms. Deputy Commissioner Julian Phillips acknowledged the assistance provided by the NYPD to the private security team and the difficulties posed by numerous photographers.
According to the couple’s representatives, the incident involved several unidentified individuals driving recklessly in a convoy of six blacked-out vehicles, posing a significant danger to the convoy and those around it. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex emerged from this perilous situation unharmed, but the alarming incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks that come with their public roles.
