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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will receive additional security from the NYPD on future visits to New York City following a security incident in May 2023, according to a letter from the department originally written in September.
The letter, obtained by NBC New York, said that after an investigation of the May 16, 2023, incident, the NYPD determined that the paparazzi acted “recklessly,” although no charges have been filed.
In a statement to NBC News in May, the couple’s spokesperson said the “relentless pursuit” of the couple, who were leaving an event, lasted more than two hours and resulted in near collisions with other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two New York police officers. police officers.
The spokesperson added that the “almost catastrophic car chase” occurred “at the hands of a circle of very aggressive paparazzi.”
Julian Phillips, then-NYPD deputy commissioner of public information, said at the time that officers “assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
“There were numerous photographers who made transportation a challenge,” Phillips said in a statement. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries or arrests.”
In the NYPD letter, police said the paparazzi displayed “reckless disregard for traffic and vehicle laws and persistently dangerous and unacceptable behavior.”
The NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office determined there was not enough evidence to arrest anyone involved, but the incident would lead to a change in royal security in the future.
The NYPD said it will “enhance the security resources provided to the Duke and Duchess on future visits to the city,” according to the letter, which said the NYPD will add additional resources for the couple’s protection.