Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “extremely upset and shaken” after being involved in a “near-catastrophic” two-hour paparazzi chase in New York City on Tuesday night.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were traveling with Markle’s mom, Doria Ragland, were pursued by photographers after leaving the Ziegfeld Theater — where the former actress was honored by Gloria Steinem at the Women of Vision Awards — in Manhattan.
The trio left the event in an SUV around 10 p.m., and were immediately followed by around 12 paparazzi, we’re told.
They eventually decided to ditch their original vehicle and jump into a yellow cab in hopes of evading photogs, a source claims.
The insider alleges that one cameraman hit a car while another almost ran over an NYPD officer during the “near-fatal” chase.
“It started off with 12 paparazzi, then ended up with four chasing [Meghan, Harry and Doria],” the insider tells us. “Their security tried their best to lose [photographers].”
Once in the taxi, Harry used his cellphone to record the ensuing melee.
We’re told security was also recording to gather evidence.
Paparazzi were confronted by uniformed police officers, but ignored warnings and continued chasing the trio, we hear.
A rep for the Sussexes claimed to Page Six Wednesday: “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.”
Our source calls the incident “absolutely shocking” and says Ragland, who is 66 years old, was particularly “terrified” by the ordeal.
“Everyone is still upset, to say the least. It was horrific,” the source tells us.
We hear the “Suits” alum, her mother and her husband are still in NYC following the harrowing occurrence.
