Meghan Markle And Prince Harry To Beef Up Security After ‘Catastrophic Car Chase’
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are strengthening their security detail in New York after experiencing a “catastrophic car chase” in
Ivy Griffith
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are strengthening their security detail in New York after experiencing a “catastrophic car chase” in the city earlier this year. The duo experienced a harrowing event where they say they were chased by paparazzi in the Big Apple in May. The incident draws disturbing parallels to the paparazzi car chase that took the life of Princess Diana, Harry’s mother. Luckily for Markle and Harry, however, they got away from the chase unscathed. And they’re not taking any chances as they return to the Big Apple for the first time since May.
Did Meghan And Harry Survive ‘Catastrophic’ Car Chase?
In May, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry traveled to NYC to attend the Women of Vision Award ceremony. There, they honored Markle for her humanitarian efforts and charitable work.
However, the trip to the Big Apple turned into a harrowing experience for the Montecito royals. A spokesperson for the couple announced, “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.” The statement continued, “This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD (New York Police Department) officers.” It concluded, “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. Dissemination of these images, given the ways in which they were obtained, encourages a highly intrusive practice that is dangerous to all involved.”
The couple alleged a number of traffic violations incurred during the chase including driving on the pavement and through red lights, reversing down a one-way street, illegally blocking a moving vehicle, and driving while photographing and while on the phone. But shortly after the news about the incident broke, eyewitnesses called their account into question and accused them of making a mountain out of a molehill.
Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Beef Up Security After Chase
Now, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are returning to New York. And they’re taking no chances with security.
Markle and Prince Harry will arrive in New York for World Mental Health Day which is celebrated on October 10th. Their trip will mark the first time their charity, Archewell Foundation, has held an in-person event since they first launched it in 2020. And the Montecito royals are beefing up their security to avoid “any risks” upon their return to New York.
Public relations expert Mayah Riaz recently spoke with The Mirror and explained the couple’s reasoning. “Ahead of Harry and Meghan’s New York trip, they’ll likely be thinking of their last trip and the paparazzi car chase. Therefore, they will no doubt be taking certain measures along with their security and PR teams for a smooth trip.” Riaz added, “Firstly, they would have already established a comprehensive security plan. This would involve assessing potential risks and implementing measures to mitigate them.” Measures could include, “securing safe transportation and coordinating with the New York Police Department”.
Raiz then added, “In order to minimize risks, they will ensure the driver(s) will have experience in handling high-profile individuals. Media managing will be crucial too, given the couple’s high profile status.” The plan “is essential to avoid invasive and potentially dangerous actions of paparazzi.” The PR expert mused, “I would imagine Harry and Meghan’s PR team have already established clear guidelines for media access to the couple. This will have ensured that only authorized and vetted media professionals are granted access to them.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will likely be safe. But it’s a scary reminder for Harry after losing his mom to a car chase. And the royals won’t want to play around with their security.