A rep for the Sussexes released the following statement: “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. 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.”

Although it’s no question that whatever occurred was traumatizing for the couple, some witnesses had conflicting views on what happened. According to the photo agency that employed these photographers, the couple wasn’t put in any hard, and there was nothing close to a crash or collision. Additionally, the NYPD says that they escorted Meghan and Harry alongside the royals’ private security team the entire time without being followed. 

Another NYC cop claimed that the chase “definitely wasn’t two hours.” After being accused of lying, Markle and Harry demand footage of the evening from the photo agency Backgrid.

Harry has been estranged from his father and brother since the couple spoke out about the monarchy and Harry’s controversial “Spare” memoir was published. Still, he attended the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camila before hurrying back home to California to celebrate his son Archie’s birthday.