NYC cabbie gave Harry, Meghan a ride after 'near catastrophic' chase
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, were trailed in their car by photographers as they left a New York City charity event Tuesday night, briefly taking refuge at a police station before being whisked away in a yellow taxicab.
The pursuit and media frenzy evoked memories of the 1997 car chase through Paris that killed Harry's mother, Princess Diana — though in this case, police said, no one was hurt.
The royal couple set off alarms when their spokesperson claimed Wednesday that they had been dangerously pursued by paparazzi in a “near catastrophic car chase” through the streets of Manhattan. That account led New York City Mayor Eric Adams to condemn the paparazzi chasing them as “reckless and irresponsible.”
The cab driver who drove them from the police station said he instantly recognised his passengers and that paparazzi “were following us the whole time,” though he said he wouldn't call it a chase.
“They had this look on their faces,” the driver, Sukhcharn Singh, said. “All of a sudden paparazzi came out and started taking pictures.”
Singh, the cab driver, said it was one of the couple's private security guards who flagged him down as he drove on 67th
Street near the police station. Singh pulled the yellow taxi to the curb and in came Harry, Meghan and her mother.
The royals were about to give their destination when a garbage truck blocked their path, Singh said. recorded them through the windows. The cab was being escorted by NYPD vehicles with flashing lights.
“They didn't say much,” Singh said. “They just asked my name and then after that Harry said thanks and have a good day.”
They paid $17 in fare — and left a generous tip.
“It was pretty good, man,″ said Singh “They gave me a $50. I mean, when I'm going around the block that's more than enough.” AP