MEGHAN MARKLE PRINCE HARRY
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 16: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex leave The Ziegfeld Theatre on May 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)

While in New York City on Wednesday night, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle say they were involved in a “near catastrophic car chase”.

Following attending the Ms Foundation’s Women of Vision gala, a spokesperson for the couple revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with the Duchess’s mother, Doria Ragland, were followed by a group of paparazzi, who allegedly were driving dangerously in their pursuit. 

“This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and two NYPD officers,” the statement read. “While being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone’s safety.”

It went on to note that the couple, who were staying at a friend’s residential home within the city, feared for their well-being as well as the safety of their friend’s house. 

The New York City Police Department’s deputy commissioner for Public Information, Julian Phillips, responded to the incident, confirming the trio were followed and assisted by police, saying, “On Tuesday evening, May 16, the NYPD assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. There were numerous photographers that made their transport challenging. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in regard.”

meghan markle prince harry
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 16: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards: Celebrating Generations of Progress & Power at Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Ms. Foundation for Women)

Prince Harry has been vocal about his distaste for the paparazzi and his belief of their involvement in his mother’s fatal car crash.

Before the chase took place, the couple publicly walked into the event together, allowing the press to take photos, before posing on the red carpet. Markle wore a metallic gold gown for the occasion, during which she was honoured with an award.