In May 2023, when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle claimed they were in a “near catastrophic” car chase by paparazzi, their critics went into overdrive saying they were making it up as a publicity ploy. Well, the couple has been vindicated by a very reliable source who did an investigation into the scary incident.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) found evidence to charge two of the Sussexes’ pursuers with a crime. This seems to be an about-face from last year when a rep for the NYPD said, “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.”
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.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Ms. Foundation for Women.
The information came to light in Prince Harry’s case against the British government in hopes of receiving police protection anytime he or his young family visit the U.K. While the judge ruled against him on Tuesday, it’s been confirmed that Harry and Meghan were on the receiving end of “reckless” and “persistently dangerous” behavior by the paparazzi, per court documents obtained by The Daily Beast. The incident was significant enough that the NYPD has also instituted “certain changes to the security posture that will be afforded to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex” after a “thorough review” of the case. It’s what is being described as an “immediate upgrade” to their security when they visit NYC.
That review by the NYPD’s Chief of Intelligence noted the “reckless disregard of vehicle and traffic laws” by the paparazzi, which included “vehicles, scooters, and bicycles.” Their behavior “forced the security team, which included an NYPD Lead Car, to take evasive actions on several occasions and a circuitous route to avoid being struck by pursuing vehicles or trapped on side blocks.” No one has been arrested yet, but there is a case if the NYPD chooses to pursue it.
Harry might not have won his U.K. case, which he is reportedly appealing, per Reuters, but the court of public opinion continues to turn in his and Meghan’s favor. They were telling the truth all along.
Before you go, click here to see the 100 best photos of the royal family from the past 20 years.
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