Harry and Meghan's 'near-catastrophic' car chase: what really happened
The couple's first public event since the Duke of Sussex attended the Coronation turned into a frightening evening in NYC
In the week that saw the couple celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary, Tuesday night was meant to be an evening of triumph for Meghan. But, by the following morning controversy and confusion reigned, accusations flew, and within days the world’s press were gleefully toting the famous line that “recollections may vary” surrounding the “two-hour car chase” incident. So, what did happen and will we ever really know?
Meghan was in New York City collecting a Ms. Foundation Woman of Vision Award “for her global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls” from her friend Gloria Steinem, feminist icon and co-founder of the Foundation. After keeping a very low profile for months, attending the awards with Harry and her mum Doria Ragland, signalled Meghan’s comeback.
With the paps flashbulbs popping as she made her way to the awards gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, the Duchess of Sussex, who has recently signed with WME, a powerhouse talent agency representing some of the biggest celebrities, looked every inch a glamorous Hollywood princess in a £1,569 Johanna Ortiz gold silk jacquard dress, Tom Ford sandals and carrying a Carolina Herrera clutch.
So far, so good. But after leaving the event at 10pm to make their way back to a friend’s private address for the night all hell seems to have broken loose. On Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the couple, put out a statement saying Doria, Harry and Meghan were involved in a “near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi” and subjected to a two-hour “relentless pursuit” by a gang of a least six in blacked-out vehicles.
“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. 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 read. “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 in involved.”
Obviously, this incident recalls the tragic night when Harry’s mum, Diana, Princess of Wales, was killed when her car crashed while being followed by paps in Paris in 1997. It’s little wonder that Harry, who blames the press for his mum’s death, would have been triggered by this. At one point, they went to a police station for help and assistance.
However, the New York Police Department and Eric Adams, the city’s mayor played down the couple’s version of events. The NYPD confirmed that the: “NYPD assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 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.” Part of the Mayor’s statement said: “I would find it hard to believe there was a two-hour high-speed chase… but we will find out the exact duration. A 10-minute chase is extremely dangerous.”
The couple’s account has also been disputed by the taxi driver who briefly attempted to ferry them away, and a photo agency, Backgrid, denied paps behaved aggressively. “They had no intention of causing any distress or harm, as their only tool was their cameras. A few of the photos even show Meghan Markle smiling inside a cab,” the agency statement said. “The photographers report that one of the four SUVs from Prince Harry’s security escort was driving in a manner that could be perceived as reckless.”
Ashley Hansen, the couple’s press secretary, told Sky News: “I have never experienced their vulnerability as much as I did last night. They were incredibly scared and shaken up.” We hope Harry, Meghan and Doria are recovering from their scare and possibly reviewing security procedures. Haunted by the ghost of his mother, Harry has accused the UK press of repeating history by relentlessly harassing him and Meghan. Whatever happens next, we sincerely hope Harry eventually finds peace in his wife’s homeland. That would be the ultimate triumphant comeback.
Kate reveals her royal struggle
Among her engagements to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the Princess of Wales visited Bath and Bristol on Tuesday to meet schoolgirls and see the work of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. During her day trip, Catherine spoke about how her life changed when she “fell in love” with William.
Away from the cameras at St Katherine’s School in Bristol, Dame Kelly said the Princess took questions from the pupils: “They [the schoolgirls] were just asking her about being a royal. Was it something that she wanted to do? And she said she had to learn. It’s a struggle to know that you can be accepted and fit in and you are still learning every day.”
The pupils were taking part in On Track To Achieve programme, run by Dame Kelly and Paralympic gold medallist Liz Johnson, which pairs elite athletes with young people lacking confidence or with other issues. “She [Catherine] humanised everything to say not everyone’s perfect,” said Dame Kelly. “Doesn't matter what you’ve got, or what you’re perceived to have, as an individual you’re still going to have those insecurities.”
Meanwhile, Prince William announced this year’s Earthshot Prize awards will be held in Singapore this November. We’re looking forward to seeing the 15 finalists.
Camilla meets Royal List’s author friend
As part of an initiative to create Coronation libraries, Queen Camilla visited the first recipient, Shirehampton Primary School, in Bristol. This was her first solo engagement since the coronation and also her first (and hopefully not last) step-by-step draw-a-long session with Rob Biddulph, award-winning children’s author and illustrator.
We were thrilled to see our talented friend Rob teaching Camilla how to draw the Queen Mary’s Crown, during a classroom session with pupils. Or as Rob said, looking at the Queen: “Your crown.” Camilla chuckled when he later instructed them: “We do need to add a bottom bit - a furry… I don’t know what it’s called. Right at the bottom, I guess that’s there for comfort reasons.” Although, she thought her effort “a little bit wobbly”, Rob’s verdict was: “Wobbly is good. That’s where you get to see its character. She had a bit of inside knowledge.” See Camilla’s drawing here and Rob’s one here.
Fifty Coronation libraries will be created by the National Literacy Trust, of which Camilla is patron. They will be placed in communities with low levels of literacy across the UK.
Fergie’s new podcast
In the week Sarah Ferguson accidentally revealed Princess Eugenie’s due date (end of May, so any time now), she also launched her brand-new weekly podcast called Tea Talks with the Duchess & Sarah.
The first episode is out this Thursday, with the Duchess co-hosting with her friend Sarah Thomson, founder of First News, where they’ll reveal personal insights and discuss hot topics with special guests. “There is nothing I find better for the soul than a cup of tea and a good chat,” said Sarah, Duchess of York. “It's going to be a fascinating journey and I hope you will join us.” If this sounds like your cup of tea, listen here.
Diana’s risqué cards for a king
The late Princess of Wales’s naughty sense of humour was legendary. Now two funny and rather saucy greeting cards sent by Diana to the late King Constantine II of Greece were sold at auction this week for £7,000. Inside one of the cards, Diana wrote: “I couldn’t decide which card to send & then thought you’d enjoy both!” See them here. The Princess was a close family friend of the King, calling him ‘Tino’. He was one of Prince William’s godfathers and Diana was godmother to his youngest son, Prince Philippos.