Royal Family
Photo agency deny Prince Harry and Meghan Markel were in danger in car chase
The response comes after the pair, along with Meghan’s mom, were pursued by photographers.
A photo agency has denied Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s claim that they were involved in a dangerous car chase in New York City on Tuesday night.
The denial comes after reports emerged that Harry, Meghan and her mother, Doria Ragland, were shaken after being involved in what they described as a “near-catastrophic” paparazzi chase.
“According to the photographers present, there were no near-collisions or near-crashes during this incident,” Backgrid USA told Page Six.
“The photographers have reported feeling that the couple was not in immediate danger at any point.”
The company also denied claims made by the couple that the paparazzi were “highly aggressive”, stating it hired shutterbugs who had no intention of “causing any distress or harm, as their only tool was their cameras.”
Backgrid stated that four freelance photographers, three in cars and one in a bicycle, covered Harry and Meghan’s night out with her mother, as they were looking to see if they would head out to dinner after attending the Women of Vision Awards at the Ziegfeld Theater.
“It is important to note that these photographers have a professional responsibility to cover newsworthy events and personalities, including public figures such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle,” the agency stated, while adding they will continue to investigate into the incident.
“We do not condone any form of harassment or illegal activity. We are taking Prince Harry’s allegations seriously and will be conducting a thorough investigation into the matter,” Backgrid concluded.
How the Sussexes viewed the situation
Backgrid’s response comes after a rep for the Sussexes released a statement describing what they felt was a “near-fatal” chase.
“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 couple said on Wednesday.
“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.”
The New York City Police Department later released a statement on Wednesday in response to the allegations, saying: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination, and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries or arrests in regard.”
A high-ranking police source also told The Post that no 911 calls were made, and that the NYPD only had one car surveying the situation.
“[The chase] definitely wasn’t two hours,” the source added.