Paps To Prince Harry, Meghan Markle: No, You Weren't In Danger In NYC

NEW YORK CITY — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were never in danger as paparazzi chased them through Manhattan, said a photo agency in response to the royal couple's account of a "near catastrophic" pursuit.

Four freelance photographers who followed the couple argued they had "no intent of causing any distress or harm, as their only tool was cameras," according to a lengthy statement from photo agency Backgrid USA.

Instead, it was one of four SUVs in Prince Harry's security detail that drove in an arguably "reckless" manner, the statement reads.

"We understand that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's security detail had a job to do, and we respect their work," the statement reads. "We do, however, want to point out that according to the photographers present, there were no near-collisions or near-crashes during this incident.

"The photographers have reported feeling that the couple was not in immediate danger at any point."

The affair drew both sympathy and skepticism toward Prince Harry and Markle since their spokesperson released a statement Wednesday describing a tense, two-hour chase through Manhattan by paparazzi in "relentless pursuit" after they attended a charity event in the city.

The chase resulted in "near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD officers," according to the couple's statement.

Many, including Mayor Eric Adams, expressed skepticism that a two-hour chase would even be possible on the streets of Manhattan.

Adams, however, added that even a 10-minute chase would be extremely dangerous and inappropriate. He also said that he was briefed that two NYPD officers could have been injured.

"We are taking a close examination of the whole incident," the mayor said Thursday on MSNBC.

The paparazzi — three in cars and one on a bicycle — told Backgrid that one of four SUVs from Prince Harry's security escort was seen blocking off streets, according to the agency's statement. One video shows it being pulled over by police, the statement reads.

But Backgrid also promised to take the accusations seriously and conduct a thorough investigation.

Here's Backgrid's full statement:

At BACKGRID USA Inc., we value transparency and ethics in journalism, which include providing fair and factual responses to claims. We are aware of Prince Harry's statement regarding an alleged "near catastrophic car chase" involving himself, Meghan Markle, and her mother, in New York City on Tuesday night.

We want to clarify that we have received photos and videos of last night’s events from four freelance photographers, three of whom were in cars and one of whom was riding a bicycle. It is important to note that these photographers have a professional responsibility to cover newsworthy events and personalities, including public figures such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

According to the accounts given by these freelance contributors, they were covering the couple's stay in New York City, including the possibility of a dinner after an award ceremony. They had no intention of causing any distress or harm, as their only tool was their cameras. A few of the photos even show Meghan Markle smiling inside a cab.

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 understand that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's security detail had a job to do, and we respect their work. We do, however, want to point out that according to the photographers present, there were no near-collisions or near-crashes during this incident. The photographers have reported feeling that the couple was not in immediate danger at any point.

At BACKGRID USA Inc., we do not condone any form of harassment or illegal activity. We are taking Prince Harry's allegations seriously and will be conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.