Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Receive Additional Security from NYPD
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has announced that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be granted enhanced security on their future visits to New York City. This decision comes after a security incident involving the royal couple in May 2023. The NYPD’s determination, detailed in a letter obtained by NBC New York, highlighted the reckless behavior of paparazzi during a near-catastrophic car chase that resulted in a state of peril for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
NYPD Investigation and Determination
The incident, which occurred on May 16, 2023, involved a relentless pursuit of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle by a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi. The pursuit lasted for over two hours and endangered not only the royal couple but also other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and two NYPD police officers. Although no charges have been filed, the NYPD’s letter denounced the paparazzi’s reckless disregard for vehicle and traffic laws, as well as their persistently dangerous and unacceptable behavior.
Julian Phillips, the then-NYPD deputy commissioner of public information, confirmed that officers provided assistance to the couple’s private security team, contributing to their safe arrival at the intended destination. He further confirmed no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in relation to the incident.
Updated Security Measures
The letter also emphasized that the NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, after reviewing the available evidence, did not find sufficient grounds for arrests. However, the incident has prompted the authorities to enhance the security resources provided to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their future visits to New York City. The NYPD will allocate additional resources to ensure the couple’s protection and prevent similar incidents.
These measures seek to mitigate the recurrence of such security threats and to safeguard the privacy, well-being, and mobility of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, reaffirming the NYPD’s commitment to their safety during their visits to the city.
