Prince Harry Questions NYPD's Investigation Into 'Near-Fatal' 2023 Paparazzi Car Chase

Prince Harry has raised concerns over the NYPD's handling of the May 2023 paparazzi car chase involving him and Meghan Markle, suspecting a potential "cover-up."

No charges have been filed despite the duke's requests for arrests or formal explanations. The couple also denied claims that the incident was a publicity stunt, citing genuine safety fears.

Additionally, Prince Harry continues to challenge a UK ruling denying him police protection after he and Meghan Markle stepped down as working royals.

Harry is reportedly questioning the handling of the New York Police Department's investigation into the "near-fatal" paparazzi car chase involving him and Meghan Markle in May 2023.

According to the Daily Mail, a member of Harry's security detail sent formal letters to senior officials at the NYPD, highlighting the duke's concerns about being "intentionally misled" and suspecting a potential "cover-up."

In September 2023, John Hart, the NYPD's chief intelligence officer, reportedly informed London authorities that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with any arrests related to the incident.

From the outset, New York's police force appeared to downplay the Sussexes' allegations after Harry and Markle had claimed through their representative that the chase was a "relentless pursuit" involving "highly aggressive paparazzi" and lasting over two hours.

They also alleged that the incident resulted in "several near collisions" with other vehicles, pedestrians, and NYPD officers.

The NYPD addressed the car chase incident through a spokesperson, stating that "no collisions, injuries, summonses, or arrests were reported."

A police insider also informed the New York Post that "no 911 calls or collision reports" were filed, adding that the pursuit "definitely wasn't two hours."

By December 2023, Hart reportedly informed London authorities that sufficient evidence had emerged to justify arrests, though no charges or arrests have been made in connection with the case.

According to the Daily Mail, Touchstone, the security firm employed by Harry and Meghan, contacted Hart on December 21, 2023, stating, "I am writing on behalf of the Duke of Sussex as he has asked that certain things be taken care of by this Friday as it relates to the incident last May in NYC before he moves forward with an official complaint to the Manhattan District Attorney's office."

The statement continued: "He would like the arrests of the paparazzi to happen or have an official letter stating why they have not been arrested or a letter from the DA's office on why they haven't accepted charges."

The correspondence also highlighted Harry's intent to file a "formal complaint" about the NYPD's management of the investigation.

The Touchstone representative also informed Hart that Harry had contacted California Governor Gavin Newsom to escalate his concerns with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

In response, Hart reportedly stated, "Okay — based on this, we will refer all case updates or lack thereof only through counsel."

He added, "Please let us know if they have any further travel to the NYC region — we will continue to provide coverage reflective of the October visit."

Harry and Meghan insisted that the New York City car chase was not a publicity stunt and that their fears were genuine.

Their spokesperson echoed the sentiment: "Respectfully, considering the duke's family history, one would have to think nothing of the couple or anybody associated with them to believe this was any sort of PR stunt."

They added: "Quite frankly, I think that's abhorrent."

Harry and Meghan's spokesperson confirmed at the time that the couple and the duchess' mom, Doria Ragland, were in a "near fatal" car chase.

The incident happened after the trio flew to New York to attend the Foundation Women of Vision Awards.

A source claimed to Page Six that one of the paparazzi hit a car during the chase, while another almost hit an NYPD officer in the commotion.

They said, "It started with 12 paparazzi, then ended with four chasing [Meghan, Harry, and Doria]. Their security tried their best to lose [photographers]."

The insider also revealed that the prince used his phone in the car to take videos of the paparazzi chasing them. Their security also recorded several videos to gather evidence for the New York police.

Harry and Meghan are also battling security concerns in the UK following a decision by London's High Court, which ruled that the Sussexes would not be allowed to utilize publicly funded police protection during their visits to the UK.

The duke reportedly planned to appeal the ruling as he stated in February 2022 that he did not "feel safe" in the UK, alleging that his family had been subjected to "well-documented threats" from neo-Nazi and extremist groups.

Harry, who has invested millions in private security, reportedly proposed covering the cost of additional police protection himself to avoid burdening British taxpayers. However, the offer was allegedly "dismissed."

During his legal battle with the Home Office in December 2023, the father of two emphasized that he still considered the UK his home and wished his children would share that sentiment.

According to Page Six, he stated that this would only be possible if their safety could be assured while "they are on UK soil."