Prince Harry, his wife Meghan and her mother were involved in a “near catastrophic” car chase after being followed by paparazzi, according to his spokesperson.
But two New York police officials have played down the incident saying they do not believe the chase was “near catastrophic” and described a “bit of a chaotic scene”.
Meanwhile, New York’s mayor Eric Adams has said two police officers could have been injured as they assisted Harry and Meghan’s private security team while their car was being followed.
The pursuit took place after the Sussexes had attended an awards ceremony at the Ziegfeld
Ballroom in New York on Tuesday – their first public appearance since the King’s coronation.
Harry’s spokesperson said the couple had been subjected to a “relentless pursuit lasting over two hours” which “resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD (New York Police Department) officers”.
Julian Phillips, the deputy commissioner of the New York Police Department, has said officers “assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex”.
He continued: “There were numerous photographers that made their transport challenging. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in regard.”
Harry’s spokesperson had earlier said: “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… 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.”
Harry, Meghan and her mother Doria Ragland were reportedly followed by half a dozen blacked-out vehicles which were being driven by unidentified people.
The vehicles are said to have driven on pavements, jumped red lights and reversed down a one-way street.
It has also been said at least one driver was using their phone behind the wheel.
At least one other is reported to have been photographing while driving.
One of the cars is said to have illegally blocked a moving vehicle.
Those pursuing the Sussexes are said to have been confronted by uniformed police multiple times but continued their pursuit.
Harry and Meghan are thought to have been staying at a private residence and did not want to compromise the security of their friend’s home.
The Sussexes are understood to accept a heightened level of attention when they are at public events, and prior to the chase they are said to have exited and entered the New York venue publicly, allowing photographers to get pictures.
Omid Scobie, who wrote the book “Finding Freedom” about Harry and Meghan, has tweeted to say a source has said the Sussexes and Ms Ragland are “understandably shaken but thankful everyone’s safe”.
