I’ve never seen couple so vulnerable, says press secretary after paparazzi pursuit
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said she had never experienced their vulnerability as much as she did when they were being pursued by paparazzi in New York on Tuesday night.
The Sussexes spokesman, Ashley Hansen, said the couple were “incredibly scared and shaken up” after photographers followed them through New York City.
On Wednesday night, a spokesperson for the couple claimed they had been subjected to a “relentless pursuit” involving a dozen blacked-out vehicles which lasted two hours and was “near catastrophic”.
The incident happened after the Sussexes and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, left an awards ceremony in New York at 10pm on Tuesday.
Ms Hansen told Sky News: “I have never experienced their vulnerability as much as I did last night. They were incredibly scared and shaken up.”
A member of the security team protecting Harry and Meghan told CNN that the “public were in jeopardy at several points during the chase” which “could have been fatal”.
Chris Sanchez said: “I have never seen, experienced anything like this. What we were dealing with was very chaotic. There were about a dozen vehicles: cars, scooters and bicycles.
“The public were in jeopardy at several points. It could have been fatal. They were jumping curbs and red lights. At one point they blocked the limousine [carrying the couple] and started taking pictures until we were able to get out.”
Mr Sanchez said he was “concerned about the principals [Harry and Meghan] but more about the public because they [the paparazzi] were being so erratic. People were on sidewalks and crossing streets and the [paparazzi] were crossing red lights. We did everything by the letter of law.”
After the incident, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were “were scared, exhausted, but relieved to be back,” he added.
Meanwhile, a taxi driver who drove Harry and Meghan through Manhattan as paparazzi followed them has spoken out, but Sukhcharn Singh did not agree that the chase was “near catastrophic”.
Speaking to NBC News about the couple’s description of the situation, Mr Singh had said: “I think that’s all you know, exaggerated and stuff like that. So don’t read too much into that, you know.
“New York City is the safest place to be. There’s police stations, there’s cops on every corner, so there’s no reason to be afraid in New York.”
He said he had not felt in danger and rejected suggestions that it was like a car chase you would see in the movies.
Mr Singh added that Harry and Meghan tipped him £40 ($50) for the 10-minute drive and that they “seemed nervous”.
Celebrity picture agency Backgrid, which received pictures of the couple from four freelance photographers has disputed their version of events, claiming an SUV car that was part of the couple’ security team was the one driving in a way that could have been seen to be reckless.
They said: “The photographers report that one of the four SUVs from Prince Harry’s security escort was driving in a manner that could be perceived as reckless. The vehicle was seen blocking off streets, and in one video, it is shown being pulled over by the police.
“We understand that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s security detail had a job to do, and we respect their work. We do, however, want to point out that according to the photographers present, there were no near-collisions or near-crashes during this incident. The photographers have reported feeling that the couple was not in immediate danger at any point.”
The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed an incident took place involving Harry and Meghan and said numerous photographers “made their transport challenging”.
Julian Phillips, NYPD deputy commissioner for public information, said: “On Wednesday evening, 16 May, 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.”
