Additional security is a prerequisite for Prince Harry‘s upcoming New York City (NYC) visit after a catastrophic car chase left its dent. Earlier this week, Harry’s spokesperson announced that the Duke would make his way to New York in late September on a trip that would advance some of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives, among other goals.
Unlike recent international tours, the NYC visit would see Prince Harry fly without his wife Meghan Markle. Regardless, tight security remains a key factor in this trip, which may even require double the usual bout. While those involved have yet to release details about the visit, Prince Harry’s previous experience in NYC necessitates extra precautions when it comes to security.
NYPD Chief Pledges “Enhanced” Security for Prince Harry
Notably, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had one of their many “near-catastrophic” encounters with the paps last year in Manhattan, New York City. Sometime in May 2023, Prince Harry, his wife Meghan Markle, and Meghan’s mom Doria Ragland attended an event at the Ziegfeld Theatre in NYC’s Midtown. While leaving the venue, the trio had a hoard of Paparazzi on their trail, desperate for snapshots of the couple.
Prince Harry’s rep released a statement afterward, implying the Sussexes’ safety was compromised in what they called a “near-catastrophic car chase” at the hands of “highly aggressive paparazzi.” Law enforcement sources eventually downplayed the car chase, claiming it lasted for only about one hour. It was a big deal for the family, though, as they were forced to change vehicles discreetly, continuing their journey in a yellow cab just to lose the paps.
Given Prince Harry’s childhood memories of his mom, Princess Diana’s demise in a similar paparazzi car chase, reenacting the experience could understandably feel traumatizing. The New York City Police Department intelligence acknowledged this fact, addressing a letter to London’s Metro police, promising to afford Prince Harry and Meghan Markle more enhanced security on future visits. Prince Harry’s return to the Big Apple in less than a month would offer them a great chance to make good on that promise.
