Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were recklessly endangered during the car chase they dubbed as "near catastrophic", according to a senior New York Police Department (NYPD) officer.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a statement in May 2023 blasting the behaviour of "aggressive paparazzi" following their appearance at the 50th anniversary of the Ms Foundation for Women's award ceremony in New York.
The couple's versions of events were questioned by many including their taxi driver on the night who labelled their account as "exaggerated".
However, in the judgement of Prince Harry's security court case against the Home Office it emerged that the NYPD found that the chase was "persistently dangerous".
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were recklessly endangered during the car chase they dubbed as "near catastrophic", according to a senior New York Police Department (NYPD) officer.
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In a letter to the Metropolitan Police which is dated December 6 2023, the NYPD’s Chief of Intelligence discussed their findings following a review of the car chase.
The intelligence chief wrote: "We found the following: reckless disregard of vehicle and traffic laws and persistently dangerous and unacceptable behaviour on the part of the paparazzi during the night in question.
"The individuals operated vehicles, scooters, and bicycles in a manner that forced the security team, which included an NYPD Lead Car, to take evasive actions on several occasions and a circuitous route to avoid being struck by pursuing vehicles or trapped on side blocks.
"Our conclusion, upon review with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, is that we have sufficient evidence to arrest two individuals for reckless endangerment."
In a letter to the Metropolitan Police which is dated December 6 2023, the NYPD’s Chief of Intelligence discussed their findings following a review of the car chase.
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A spokesperson for Meghan and Harry said following the incident in May 2023: "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.
"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."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a statement in May 2023 blasting the behaviour of "aggressive paparazzi" following their appearance at the 50th anniversary of the Ms Foundation for Women's award ceremony in New York.
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Despite losing his court case against the Home Office today, Prince Harry has vowed to appeal the decision.
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Despite losing his court case against the Home Office today, Prince Harry has vowed to appeal the decision.
Harry was fighting Ravec's 2020 decision that he should receive a different degree of protection when in the UK.
However, the court found there had not been any unlawfulness in reaching the decision of February 28 2020 and that any departure from policy was justified.
The court has also found that there has been no unlawfulness on the part of Ravec in respect of its arrangements for Prince Harry's visits to the UK following the 2020 decision.
The Duke of Sussex had challenged the Home Office over his right to automatic police protection in the UK after he was stripped of taxpayer-funded security.
