Harry and Meghan’s taxi driver throughout paparazzi ‘chase’ speaks out

The taxi driver who drove Harry and Meghan by way of New York City throughout a automotive chase has spoken out.

Sukhcharn Singh, who picked up the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from a police station, stated they have been adopted by paparazzi all through their journey – however did not agree with the couple’s evaluation that it was “near catastrophic”.

It comes after Harry and Meghan’s press secretary Ashley Hansen solely advised Sky News: “I have never experienced their vulnerability as much as I did last night. They were incredibly scared and shaken up.”

Ms Hansen additionally stated the police needed to confront photographers and ask for house on a number of events – however “that wish was not respected”.

Speaking to NBC News in regards to the couple’s description of the state of affairs, Mr Singh had stated: “I believe that is all you recognize, exaggerated and stuff like that. So do not learn an excessive amount of into that, you recognize.

“New York City is the safest place to be. There’s police stations, there’s cops on every corner, so there’s no reason to be afraid in New York.”

Mr Singh has stated he by no means felt like he was at risk – and shrugged off ideas that it was like a automotive chase you’ll see within the films.

He went on to disclose that the couple tipped him $50 (£40) for the 10-minute drive – including that the pair “seemed nervous” whereas they have been in his automotive.

In different developments, a celeb news company that filmed Harry and Meghan up shut has additionally disputed their model of occasions – and claimed it was really an SUV within the couple’s safety element that was driving recklessly.

An announcement from Backgrid stated it had obtained footage from 4 freelance photographers who had no intention of inflicting misery or hurt – and several other footage confirmed Meghan smiling contained in the taxi.

It added: “The photographers report that one of the four SUVs from Prince Harry’s security escort was driving in a manner that could be perceived as reckless. The vehicle was seen blocking off streets, and in one video, it is shown being pulled over by the police.

“We perceive that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s safety element had a job to do, and we respect their work. We do, nevertheless, need to level out that in keeping with the photographers current, there have been no near-collisions or near-crashes throughout this incident. The photographers have reported feeling that the couple was not in speedy hazard at any level.”

Backgrid went on to stress that it does not condone harassment or illegal activity, adding: “We are taking Prince Harry’s allegations severely and will probably be conducting a radical investigation into the matter.”

Two New York cops additionally performed down the incident – describing it as “a bit chaotic” reasonably than “near catastrophic”.

Officers stated the Sussexes had been pushed round 57th Street, FDR Drive and close by roads for about an hour and quarter-hour as they have been adopted by paparazzi earlier than they have been dropped off on the New York City Police Department’s nineteenth precinct.

They have been picked up by Mr Singh shortly after.

Security for the couple claimed that they have been being pursued by automobiles, mopeds and electrical bikes that at instances mounted the pavement to maintain up with the couple’s car.

The agency claims not less than 15 lights have been ignored by the paparazzi as they adopted the couple by way of the town – describing them as driving “aggressively and badly”.

However, they didn’t describe the incident as a “high-speed chase”.

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Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace haven’t commented publicly – and in keeping with the PA news company, the Royal Family haven’t been in contact with Harry and Meghan for the reason that incident.

New York’s mayor Eric Adams has stated two cops might have been injured as they assisted Harry and Meghan’s non-public safety staff whereas their automotive was being adopted.

He added: “Public safety must always be at the forefront. In a briefing I received [I heard] two of our officers could have been injured … I don’t think there’s many of us who don’t recall how [Harry’s] mum died.

“It could be horrific to lose the harmless bystander throughout a chase like this and one thing to have occurred to them as effectively.”

Mr Adams added he believes the behaviour of those following the Sussexes was “reckless and irresponsible”.