Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, found themselves in a harrowing situation on Tuesday night in New York City. While attending the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards, where Meghan was being honored, the couple, accompanied by Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, became embroiled in a dangerous car chase with paparazzi.
The spokesperson for the couple confirmed the incident, stating that they were “involved in a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi.” As they left the Ziegfeld Theatre in an SUV around 10 PM, their vehicle was immediately pursued by approximately 12 photographers.
The chase reportedly lasted for over two hours, with the paparazzi showing relentless pursuit. This resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers, pedestrians, and even two NYPD officers. The spokesperson revealed that the Duke and Duchess, along with Doria Ragland, were left “extremely upset and shaken” by the traumatic experience. The incident brought back painful memories of Princess Diana’s fatal car accident in 1997, as the situation eerily mirrored the dangers she faced with paparazzi.
Witnesses reported that one photographer hit another vehicle during the chase, while another paparazzo nearly ran over an NYPD officer. As the situation escalated, the couple’s security team made every effort to lose the photographers, but only four persisted until the end. Prince Harry, aware of the importance of evidence, recorded the chase from inside the vehicle, while the couple’s security detail also documented the events for evidence of the relentless pursuit.
Despite the NYPD officers’ attempts to intervene and warn the paparazzi, their warnings were ignored, and the photographers continued their pursuit. A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan emphasized that while public figures may attract public interest, it should never come at the expense of anyone’s safety.
The aggressive behavior of the paparazzi understandably left Doria Ragland “terrified” by the incident. Such incidents highlight the concerning and invasive nature of paparazzi culture, where the pursuit of capturing images takes precedence over the safety and well-being of those involved.
Following the shocking ordeal, the trio decided to remain in New York City for the time being. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by public figures when it comes to privacy invasion and the need for stricter regulations to protect their safety.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have long been vocal about their struggles with media intrusion and its impact on their mental health. This recent incident further highlights the need for change in the way the media engages with public figures, emphasizing the importance of respecting boundaries and prioritizing the safety of those they are documenting.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue their public engagements and advocacy work, it is hoped that this alarming incident will prompt a broader discussion on the responsibilities of the media, the need for improved regulations, and the protection of individuals’ privacy and safety.
Source: Radar
If they had just stopped, there would have been NO PROBLEMS.!
Maybe Daddy is trying to get rid of them, like Dianna. Was taken out
Since they are well aware what could happen during a paparazzi chase, WHY would they do this? Why didn’t they just STOP or go to a hotel?As to being bothered by paparazzi, why do they continually put themselves into the public eye constantly? They’re not worried about the paparazzi then, were they? This is nothing but a publicity stunt.
For two people who want to be left alone. These two love the drama.