King Charles; Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty; Taylor Hill/WireImage
Buckingham Palace had no comment afterMeghan MarkleandPrince Harrywere involved in a “near catastrophic car chase” in New York City on Tuesday night.
“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,” a spokesperson for the couple said in a statement to PEOPLE.
James Devaney/GC Images
“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,” they continued. “Dissemination of these images, given the ways in which they were obtained, encourages a highly intrusive practice that is dangerous to all in involved.”
The trio was traveling to a friend’s private residence where they were staying after the event, PEOPLE has learned, when the pursuit began.
Doria Ragland, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Kevin Mazur/Getty
Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, died in a 1997 car crash in Paris that involved photographers pursuing her vehicle. In his memoirSpare, the Duke of Sussexrecounted driving through the same Paris tunnela decade later in an attempt to find closure. Grieving the tragic loss of his mother at a young age was a key theme throughout the book, released in January.
The news thatPrince Harry, Meghan and Doria were chased in New York City on Tuesday night arrived afterKing CharlesandQueen Camillastepped out for their first joint public outing since theircoronationweekend.
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Later in the day, King Charles stepped out solo to welcome the 2023 Prince’s Trust Award winners and celebrity ambassadors for a reception at Buckingham Palace. The celebration was held following an awards ceremony at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Tuesday.
Getty Images
At the palace party, the King chatted with award winners and celebrity partners Stanley Tucci, makeup mogul Charlotte Tilbury and Spice GirlGeri Halliwell Horner— and posed for a group photo.
Charles established The Prince’s Trust charity in 1976 as the Prince of Wales to provide disadvantaged youth with the resources they need to reach their full potential. The organizationstatesit has since worked with over one million young people to date.
The King also held audiences at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
source: people.com
