NEW YORK, USA – In a revelation that brings to light the perils faced by high-profile figures, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has confirmed evidence of a “reckless” paparazzi chase involving Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, in New York City last May.
The incident, which occurred after the trio left a charity event in midtown Manhattan around 10 p.m., led to a dangerous pursuit lasting over two hours, putting not only the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at risk but also pedestrians, NYPD officers, and other drivers.
According to a U.K. court filing, the NYPD found “sufficient evidence” to arrest two individuals for reckless endangerment.
The filing cites the NYPD’s review, which highlighted a “reckless disregard of vehicle and traffic laws” and “persistently dangerous and unacceptable behaviour” by the paparazzi.
Despite the serious allegations, the couple has not publicly commented on the NYPD’s findings.
However, the incident was labelled as “near catastrophic” by the Duke and Duchess, a description contrasted by Backgrid USA Inc., one of the paparazzi agencies involved.
Backgrid stated to NBC last May that the chase did not result in “near collisions or near crashes,” a claim now disputed by the NYPD’s letter from last December.
Mayor Eric Adams also expressed scepticism about the intensity of the chase but acknowledged that even a brief pursuit could pose a significant danger. He said he would “find it hard to believe that there was a two-hour high-speed chase’ at a press conference.
Despite the alarming nature of the NYPD’s findings, no formal charges were filed at the time, although the department confirmed an increase in security protocols for the couple.
The incident has also impacted Prince Harry’s legal battle for publicly funded police protection in the U.K., with a recent court ruling against his bid. A spokesperson for the Duke has indicated plans to appeal the decision.
This incident underscores the ongoing concerns over the safety of public figures and the extreme lengths to which paparazzi will go to capture their images, often at the expense of public safety and privacy.
