Prince Harry's Demand for Paparazzi Arrests After Alleged Car Chase Incident
In the aftermath of an alleged car chase in Manhattan in May 2023, newly revealed documents suggest that Prince Harry and his team pushed for the arrest of paparazzi photographers involved, claiming a cover-up over the handling of the incident.
The Duke of Sussex expressed his dissatisfaction after no charges were filed against the photographers following the event. According to letters and emails obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the Daily Mail, Harry's team even sought help from California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office in an attempt to establish contact with District Attorneys. This was done after no arrests were made in connection to the alleged car chase.
The incident occurred after Harry and Meghan attended an award ceremony in May 2023. The couple later claimed they were subjected to a relentless pursuit through the streets of Manhattan by aggressive paparazzi. Although the authorities downplayed the event, a representative from Harry's security company, Torchstone, wrote to NYPD Intelligence Chief John Beard, expressing frustration over the lack of action.
The letter, written on behalf of Harry, stated that he felt misled and suspected a cover-up. Torchstone demanded that the police either make arrests by the following day or provide an explanation for their inaction. The letter also requested an official statement from the District Attorney’s office on why charges had not been filed. Harry’s team made it clear that the Duke intended to file a formal complaint regarding the handling of the incident.
According to Harry and Meghan’s statement, the couple was subjected to a two-hour pursuit by paparazzi after the award ceremony, which allegedly resulted in multiple near-misses involving other drivers, pedestrians, and two NYPD officers. They emphasized that while public interest in their lives comes with being public figures, it should never come at the cost of anyone’s safety.
However, three law enforcement officials told NBC News they did not consider the event to be a car chase. New York City Mayor Eric Adams also cast doubt on the claims, stating that it was difficult to believe a high-speed chase could have taken place through the city’s dense traffic. To date, no arrests have been made related to the incident.
A letter from the NYPD to the London Metropolitan Police in September 2023 confirmed that while the behavior of the paparazzi was reckless, there was insufficient evidence to make any arrests. Despite this, a second letter from the NYPD, dated December 6, 2023, stated that there was now enough evidence to charge two individuals with reckless endangerment. However, no arrests have been made, and the situation remains unresolved.
The December letter emerged during a significant high court hearing in which Prince Harry sought to compel the British government to provide him with full royal security protection during his visits to the UK. Harry's lawyer presented the letter during the final day of the hearing. In his ruling, Judge Sir Peter Lane acknowledged the importance of the letter in highlighting the danger posed by paparazzi to Harry and his family. Despite this, the judge ultimately ruled against Harry’s request for the same level of security protection he had enjoyed as a working royal.
As the legal and public battles continue, the incident highlights ongoing concerns over the safety of public figures like Harry and Meghan, particularly in relation to the behavior of the paparazzi.
