The incident left the Duke and Duchess of Sussex feeling quiet and scared, and some have drawn comparisons to the tragic Paris car crash that claimed Princess Diana's life during a paparazzi pursuit.
While a few critics continue to question the validity of the couple's claims, Harry's spokesperson released a statement recounting the harrowing experience.
According to the spokesperson, the Duke and Duchess, accompanied by Ragland, were subjected to a grueling car chase spanning over two hours, endangering not only themselves but also other drivers, pedestrians, and even two NYPD officers. Multiple near-collisions occurred during the pursuit.
In contrast, a taxi driver who picked up the Sussexes downplayed the incident, stating, "I don't think I would call it a chase." However, he did acknowledge that the couple appeared quiet and frightened during the approximately 10-minute ride.
Two New York police officials also downplayed the severity of the chase, referring to it as a "bit of a chaotic scene" and stating that they didn't believe it was "near catastrophic." The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's press secretary, Ashley Hansen, emphasized their vulnerability and fear during the incident, sharing that security personnel frequently stopped the car and confronted the paparazzi, requesting them to cease their pursuit and provide a safe distance. Unfortunately, these appeals were not respected.
Taxi driver Sukhcharn Singh, who transported the couple, mentioned that his car was pursued by two vehicles—an older grey Honda CR-V and a black Honda Accord. Singh described how the photographers persistently followed and approached their vehicle, taking pictures and filming whenever they stopped.
Concerned about the photographers, Harry and Meghan's security guard instructed Singh to return to the precinct where he had initially picked them up. Consequently, the journey ended after approximately 10 minutes.
New York's mayor, Eric Adams, expressed his concern for the safety of two police officers who assisted Harry and Meghan's private security team while their car was being pursued. The deputy commissioner of the New York Police Department, Julian Phillips, stated that officers provided aid to the couple's security personnel and that no collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests were reported.
Harry and Meghan believe that the chase could have had fatal consequences, as it involved six blacked-out vehicles with unidentified individuals driving recklessly, posing a threat to the convoy and those in its vicinity.
The couple acknowledges the heightened attention they attract during public events, and on this occasion, they chose to exit and enter the venue publicly, allowing photographers to capture images. Various traffic violations were allegedly committed by those involved in the chase, including driving on the sidewalk and running red lights, reversing on a one-way street, illegally blocking another vehicle, and engaging in distracted driving by taking photos and using a phone.
The New York Police Department, which dispatched officers to assist in escorting the Duke and Duchess, recognized the challenges posed by the "numerous photographers" during the transportation. Their official statement confirmed that no collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests were reported.
Despite the shocking global impact of the car chase, neither Prince Charles nor any other member of the royal family reached out to Harry and Meghan in the aftermath.
