Hours-Long ‘Reckless’ Meghan Markle and Prince Harry NYC Car Chase Was ‘Arrestable Endangerment’
On May 16, 2023, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, were swarmed by paparazzi. They were leaving an event in New York City. A barrage of photographers first attempted to delay entry to their SUV. For hours after, they were aggressively chased by paparazzi. The New York City Police Department drove the lead car during the transport. Now, a letter from the NYPD to the UK Metropolitan Police has surfaced. It provides more details about the unsettling car chase.
The letter was packaged with Prince Harry’s appeal to the Metropolitan Police in London. The Duke of Sussex had requested police protection for him and his family when visiting the UK. Yesterday, his appeal was denied.
Back in May 2023, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a statement to People. “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,” she said. “This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD officers.”
Letter from NYPD to Metropolitan Police in London describes car chase
At the time, NYC officials released a statement downplaying the events. Claiming that the transport was “challenging,” it insisted the mission was successful and that no injuries or damages were reported. New York City has since committed to providing the Duke and Duchess increased security when they come to town.
As the Daily Beast reported, NYPD’s Chief of Intelligence reflected on the realities of the car chase in his letter. “We found the following: reckless disregard of vehicle and traffic laws and persistently dangerous and unacceptable behavior on the part of the paparazzi during the night in question. The individuals operated vehicles, scooters and bicycles in a manner that 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. Our conclusion, upon review with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, is that we have sufficient evidence to arrest two individuals for reckless endangerment.”
The letter from the Chief of Intelligence is dated December 6, 2023. To date, no arrests have been reported regarding the car chase.
