A spokesperson for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry claims the couple was involved in a “near-catastrophic” paparazzi chase in New York City on Tuesday night.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex allegedly departed the Ziegfeld Theater in Manhattan with Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, photographers began to pursue their vehicle, according to Page Six. Sources close to the situation reported that one cameraman hit another vehicle, and another photographer narrowly avoided running over an NYPD officer during their pursuit of Markle and Harry, according to Page Six.
BREAKING: Prince Harry, his wife Meghan and her mother have been involved in a “near catastrophic” car chase involving paparazzihttps://t.co/IVHXQr05s4
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/HPeiccTZrD
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 17, 2023
The series of events allegedly began when Markle and Harry departed the venue at approximately 10 p.m. and were pursued by roughly 12 paparazzi, according to the report. They couple decided to exit their vehicle and reportedly hopped into a New York City taxi in an effort to evade the photographers, when things allegedly took a dangerous turn.
“It started off with 12 paparazzi, then ended up with four chasing [Meghan, Harry and Doria],” the source said to Page Six.
“Their security tried their best to lose [photographers],” the source said, according to the outlet.
It is believed that Prince Harry and members of his security team captured the frightening chase on their cell phones, according to Page Six.
BREAKING: Prince Harry and his wife Meghan were involved in a “near catastrophic” car chase with paparazzi in New York, spokesperson says. pic.twitter.com/U2snL6M7YQ
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 17, 2023
Harry and Meghan Markle were “extremely upset and shaken” after the incident.
“Last night, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Ms. Ragland were involved in a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi,” a rep for the Sussexes told Page Six Wednesday. “This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD officers.” (RELATED: ‘She Has This Warmth About Her’: Prince Harry Says Meghan Markle Is Just Like His Mom Princess Diana)
“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.”
This incident reportedly hit close to home for Harry, who lost his mother, Princess Diana, in a similar fashion August 31, 1997.