Recently released documents shed light on a harrowing car chase involving Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in New York City last year. The incident, which occurred after the Ms. Foundation 2023 Women of Vision Awards, involved aggressive paparazzi behavior that prompted an investigation by the New York City Police Department.
The investigation revealed reckless behavior by the paparazzi, including disregard for traffic laws and dangerous maneuvers that forced the royal couple's security team to take evasive actions. The NYPD confirmed that there was sufficient evidence to arrest two individuals for reckless endangerment but no arrests have been made yet.
Following the incident, the NYPD announced changes in security protocols for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during future visits to the city. The couple returned to New York in October for events related to World Mental Health Day.
The car chase incident sparked concerns about the safety of public figures and the impact of aggressive paparazzi tactics. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of public safety and responsible journalism in the aftermath of the event.
Notably, the incident drew parallels to Princess Diana's tragic death in a car crash involving paparazzi in 1997. Senior police officer David Douglas highlighted the importance of safety measures such as seatbelts in preventing such accidents.
In a separate development, Prince Harry's legal challenge to reinstate police security in the U.K. was unsuccessful. The Duke of Sussex had sought automatic protection for himself and his family during visits to the U.K., citing security concerns.
The High Court upheld the decision to downgrade Prince Harry's security, a decision that he had contested since stepping back from official royal duties in 2020. Despite the ruling, Prince Harry remains committed to ensuring the safety of his family during their visits to the U.K.