Prince Harry suspects ‘cover up’ in NYPD probe into 'near fatal' paparazzi chase involving Meghan Markle

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Prince Harry has raised concerns about how the New York Police Department (NYPD) had handled its probe into the "near-fatal" paparazzi car chase involving him and Meghan Markle in May 2023.

A member of the Duke of Sussex’s security unit wrote to NYPD officials stating that Prince Harry felt "deliberately deceived" and believed there was a "cover-up", according to Page Six.

Prince Harry suspects ‘cover up’ in NYPD probe

The NYPD had originally minimized their allegations as Harry and Meghan Markle called the event a "relentless chase" by a team of "extremely aggressive paparazzi" that continued for more than two hours. They claimed that the chase led to several close calls with other cars, pedestrians, and even some police officers.

However, NYPD representatives released a statement clarifying that there were no reports of crashes, injuries, or arrests associated with the chase.

Moreover, a police source also indicated that the chase did not continue for two hours and that there were no collision reports or 911 calls made, per the outlet.

John Hart, the leading intelligence officer of the NYPD, allegedly informed the London police in September 2023 that there wasn't enough evidence to carry out any arrests related to the incident.

However, he reportedly informed the police in London in December 2023 that fresh evidence had emerged that could help in making arrests.

Interestingly, there have been no arrests or charges filed in the case so far.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle insist car chase was not a publicity stunt

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle strongly insisted that the car chase in May 2023 was not a publicity stunt and that they truly feared for their safety.

Moreover, they expressed worries about security matters in the UK. Their spokesperson highlighted in a statement the gravity of their worries, considering the Duke's family background, and condemned notions that the event was orchestrated as a publicity trick.

According to reports, the security firm for Harry and Markle, Touchstone, emailed Hart on December 21, 2023, asking for either arrest to be carried out or, in the alternative, for an official reason to be given for the lack of arrests.

The mail also indicated Harry's plan to submit an official complaint to the Manhattan District Attorney's office if the issue remained unresolved.

The letter also stated that Harry had contacted California Governor Gavin Newsom to look up to the matter with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Hart's reply, as stated, was that all upcoming information concerning the case should be channeled through the couple's legal representatives.

Moreover, Harry also stated that the NYPD would maintain security for the couple during their upcoming visits to New York City.

Internet trolls Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and calls the paparazzi chase a made-up story

Many people on the Internet trolled Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as they raised concerns about how the New York Police Department (NYPD) had handled its probe into the "near-fatal" paparazzi car chase in 2023.

Some online comments read "I have lived and driven in Manhattan longer than any other place and it is almost impossible to have a high speed chase there" and "Anyone who has been to Manhattan can attest that regardless of the time of day, it would be virtually impossible for a two hour 80 mile per hour chase through the streets of Manhattan."

A person also stated, "I have been in New York many times and it’s not possible to recreate their scenario. There have been plenty of people, cab drivers and such who have said elsewhere that it’s not possible," whereas one mentioned, "I lived in Manhattan for two years and could walk faster than the vehicles moving from traffic light to traffic light. A two hour car chase at 80 mph in Manhattan is completely exaggerated by these two."

A user also wrote, "There are traffic cameras on every block of every major north-south and east-west artery in Manhattan, plus many in the back neighborhoods, and none of them captured anything even closely resembling a "high speed chase" in the area at the time of Harry's claims", while one commented, "He has no pull here, so he can't influence the authorities to do what he wants. Also, New Yorkers are unimpressed by celebrity, which is why many live there successfully."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online