Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Doria Ragland were subject to a “relentless pursuit” by paparazzi whilst in New York City, which lasted over two hours and involved half a dozen blacked-out vehicles. The incident reportedly involved multiple near-collisions involving other drivers, pedestrians and two NYPD officers. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in the city on Tuesday to attend an event where Meghan received an award for her global advocacy work on behalf of women and girls. In a statement, a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said that, while public figures accept a certain level of interest from the press, it should never come at the cost of anyone’s safety.
This event follows Prince Harry’s previous statements that he blames the paparazzi for his mother’s, Princess Diana’s, death in 1997. Harry’s fear of history repeating itself has made him rather protective of Meghan Markle. In a recent memoir, called Spare, Harry detailed the harassment and aggression from the press and paparazzi which he experienced with past girlfriends.
The Duke and Duchess reportedly stayed at a private residence and entered and exited the venue publicly to allow photographers to obtain pictures. Traffic violations allegedly involved driving on the pavement and through red lights, reversing down one-way streets, illegally blocking moving vehicles and photographing and talking on the phone whilst driving. The police confronted those involved multiple times but they continued the pursuit. It is also alleged that the paparazzi drove recklessly and dangered those around them.
Harry is currently attempting to bring a second legal challenge against the UK Home Office over his security arrangements whilst in the UK. Harry is seeking the High Court’s go-ahead to secure a judicial review over a decision that he should not pay privately for his protective security. This legal action is among five other civil cases that the duke is pursuing through the court in London, amid which there are libel claims against Daily Mail, Mirror Group Newspapers, Associated Newspapers Limited and News Group Newspapers.
