A spokesperson for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry has confirmed that the couple was involved in a “chaotic” car chase pursuit that could have resulted in a “catastrophic” outcome.
According to several reports, the Sussexes were chased by a sea of photographers after leaving the Women of Vision Awards in New York Tuesday. Security detail of the couple told CNN that the pair were in a convoy with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland when the pursuit took place.
“The couple were left shaken by the incident, although ultimately no one was hurt,” according to a CNN report.
Police also confirmed that “numerous” photographers made it “challenging” for the Sussexes to be transported, but “there were no reported collisions, injuries or arrests.”
“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 couple’s spokesperson said. “This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD officers.”
According to Thomas Buda, a security businessman who the couple contracted to help keep them secure, the chase happened moments after Meghan and Harry left the event and lasted 90 minutes.
Buda added that paparazzi chased the couple down to find out where they were staying while in New York. Many of them ran red lights, drove into oncoming traffic and drove the wrong way down one-way streets in an attempt to keep up with them.
“I have never seen, experienced anything like this,” Chris Sanchez, a member of the couple’s security team told CNN. “What we were dealing with was very chaotic.”
He continued: “The Sussexes were scared – but were relieved when they returned to the apartment where they were staying, he said. “The public was in jeopardy at several points. It could have been fatal.”
