Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s taxi driver spoke out about the royal’s “near catastrophic car chase” narrative and said during his part of the royal’s journey he felt safe the entire ride.
The New York City cab driver told the Washington Post that he drove the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and her mom Doria Ragland at one point Tuesday evening while they were in the city, and he said he would not call what he witnessed a chase.
The New York Police Department Deputy Commissioner Public Information Officer Julian Phillips responded on Wednesday to reports about the “near catastrophic car chase.”
“On Tuesday evening, May 16, the NYPD assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” a statement to The Daily Wire read.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Doria Ragland were involved in a “near-fatal” paparazzi chase around New York City on Tuesday night. https://t.co/T6F4PhQp6W pic.twitter.com/OYMDzUlYXX
— Page Six (@PageSix) May 17, 2023
“There were numerous photographers that made their transport challenging,” the statement added. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in regard.”
On Wednesday, New York Mayor Eric Adams called the paparazzi’s actions “reckless and irresponsible” and said he “would find it hard to believe” that there were was a “high-speed chase” for two hours in NYC.
“I don't think there's many of us who don't recall how his mum died."
The car chase involving the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and paparazzi was ‘reckless and irresponsible,' says New York City Mayor, Eric Adams. pic.twitter.com/Db7BH0nRXz
— Times Radio (@TimesRadio) May 17, 2023
The statements come following an earlier report that the trio were involved in a “car chase” in NYC, per a spokesperson for the prince. It reportedly happened following an event in the city where Markle was honored with a “Woman of Vision” award.
“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,” a rep for the Sussex’s told Deadline.
“This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD officers,” the statement added.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Following reports about the Sussex’s car chase celebrities like Megyn Kelly, Caitlyn Jenner, Fox News’ Dagen McDowell, and more reacted to the news, with some casting doubt on the royal’s description of the two hour car chase.