Why Palace is avoiding Sussex car drama

On Wednesday, a spokesman claimed the royals and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland were targeted in a “relentless pursuit” by a “ring of highly aggressive paparazzi”. Reflecting on the incident during an interview with CNN, Chris Sanchez – a member of the security team protecting the couple on the night, commented that Harry and Meghan appeared “scared, exhausted, but relieved to be back”. And while the security guard was “concerned” about the pair, he was actually more worried about members of the public due to the “erratic” nature of the photographers.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were back in the headlines this week after slamming a “ring of highly aggressive paparazzi” who they allege sparked a “near-catastrophic” two-hour car chase through the streets of New York City on Tuesday night following their appearance at an awards gala.

The couple were said to be “upset and shaken”.

In the hours that followed their furious statement, reporter and author Omid Scobie tweeted that spokespersons for King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate had declined to comment on the incident, adding that “no member of the royal family” had reached out to Harry and Meghan.

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However, as a palace source since told Entertainment Tonight: “Since Harry and Meghan have stepped back from royal duties, the palace generally does not comment on their activities.”

In the original statement, a Sussex spokesman detailed the “dangerous” incident.

“This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions, involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and two NYPD officers,” it read, in part.

It’s been reported the couple were staying at a house on New York’s Upper East Side, likely no more than a 15-minute drive from where they set off. But they did not want to return directly to the property over concerns the location would be revealed.

People close to the Sussexes had claimed the scene was “chaotic” and that someone could have died due to photographers pursuing the royal couple after their appearance at a gala dinner.

Police then said Harry and Meghan’s journey through Manhattan was “challenging”, but there were no crashes, collisions, injuries or arrests.

But Sukhcharn Singh, the cab driver who had the royals unexpectedly in his back seat, later watered down the events.

“I don’t think I would call it a chase,” Mr Singh said. “I never felt like I was in danger. It wasn’t like a car chase in a movie. They were quiet and seemed scared but it’s New York – it’s safe.”

Photo agency Backgrid also released a statement on Thursday night, claiming its photographers “had no intention of causing any distress or harm, as their only tool was their cameras”.

“At Backgrid USA Inc., we value transparency and ethics in journalism, which include providing fair and factual responses to claims,” the company said in a statement to Entertainment Tonight.

“We are aware of Prince Harry’s statement regarding an alleged ‘near catastrophic car chase’ involving himself, Meghan Markle, and her mother, in New York City on Tuesday night.”

“We want to clarify that we have received photos and videos of last night‘s events from four freelance photographers, three of whom were in cars and one of whom was riding a bicycle,” the statement continued.

“It is important to note that these photographers have a professional responsibility to cover newsworthy events and personalities, including public figures such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.”

However, it added, it will be looking “into the matter”, and that it does not “condone any form of harassment or illegal activity”.

Meanwhile, the freelance photographers hired to cover the event have alleged 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.”