Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to receive additional security for future NYC visits following ‘near catastrophic’ paparazzi car chase

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Following a concerning incident in May 2023, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to receive increased security measures for their future visits to New York City.

An NYPD letter submitted in a UK court case by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed that the police deemed the behavior of paparazzi during a car chase through Manhattan in September 2023 as "reckless." Although the letter mentioned the possibility of arrests due to the dangerous pursuit, sources informed The Post that insufficient evidence exists to press charges against anyone involved.

Despite not pursuing charges, the Sussexes will benefit from heightened security arrangements during their future trips to the Big Apple. The NYPD has assured that they will bolster security resources for the Duke and Duchess, citing the paparazzi's "reckless disregard" for traffic laws and persistently dangerous behavior during the incident.

The Sussexes were swarmed by paparazzi

The letter further states that, upon review with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, there is enough evidence to potentially arrest two individuals for reckless endangerment.

In the May 2023 incident, Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan Markle, 42, were subjected to a high-speed car chase after leaving the Ziegfeld Theater in Midtown with Markle’s mother around 9:50 p.m. Although paparazzi trailed them, the famous couple managed to evade capture as they departed the venue.

NYPD cops determined paparazzi acted in a “reckless” manner when pursuing the royals in Sept. 2023

While their representative described the incident as a "near catastrophic car chase," law enforcement sources provided a more subdued account, stating that the chase lasted approximately one hour as the family switched to a yellow cab in an attempt to shake off the paparazzi.

Throughout the ordeal, a private security car and an NYPD vehicle accompanied the trio, while a significant press presence followed. Despite this, no 911 calls or collision reports were made related to the incident, according to the NYPD.

The Sussexes were embroiled in a so-called “near catastrophic” paparazzi car chase through Manhattan in May 2023.

Earlier this week, London’s High Court, in its decision to deny state-funded security to the Prince, referenced the NYPD’s letter, which highlighted the paparazzi's "reckless" and "persistently dangerous" behavior. However, police sources noted that Harry and Meghan's security also played a role by not adhering to an NYPD proposed stop.