PRINCE Harry’s security was not “properly stage managed” before the alleged car chase, says Princess Diana’s former bodyguard.
Ken Wharfe was the late Princess of Wales‘ protection officer and in charge of round-the-clock security.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were allegedly followed home after leaving a New York gala on Tuesday night
The former Met cop was in charge of Princess Diana’s security for six years
The former Met cop looked after the royal from 1987 until 1993 before her tragic death four years later.
He has now said Harry, 38, and Meghan‘s, 41, protection team were not experienced enough or equipped to deal with such high-profile people.
It comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were followed for an alleged two hours after they left a gala in New York on Tuesday night.
A spokesperson for the couple said yesterday they had been involved in a “relentless pursuit” with paparazzi, which could have been “catastrophic”.
Speaking to ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Thursday, Ken said: “The protection team he has got at the moment has never dealt with such a high-profile celebrity as Harry and Meghan.
“To them, I have some sympathy.
“The whole point is you have to take advice on this, and I don’t know to what extent the New York Police Department were involved, but basically it’s something that needs to be properly stage managed.
“I will make the point here from my own experience, the paparazzi, at best, can be talked to, but at worst they’re a nuisance.
“But they’re not out to cause the death of any one person.
“So, I think we have to be a little bit careful there.”
The couple were in the Big Apple so Meghan could be recognised for her work fighting for women’s rights.
They entered and left the venue publicly allowing for pictures.
Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland was also said to be in the car at the time.
In a full statement the couple’s spokesperson said: “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.
“Dissemination of these images, given the ways in which they were obtained, encourages a highly intrusive practice that is dangerous to all involved.”
However, the cab driver who took Harry and Meghan on part of their journey has since told of his experience, adding he didn’t feel he was in danger at any point.
Speaking to NBC News, Sukhcharn Singh said: “I think that’s all you know, exaggerated and stuff like that.
“So don’t read too much into that, you know.
“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.”
The New York Police Department said the situation had been “challenging” but there were “no reported collisions”.
The force said: “The NYPD assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
“There were numerous photographers that made their transport challenging.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in regard.”
It has since been reported neither Harry or Meghan have heard from the Royal Family following the ordeal.
Meghan’s pal Omid Scobie told ABC News: “I was really shocked to hear from sources that neither Harry nor Meghan had heard from any members of the Royal Family – even some hours after this story had broken.”
However, royal expert Angela Levin has rubbished the claims adding: “People talking about it are people who don’t like the Monarchy and are finding any excuse to bring them down.”
Ken Wharfe said Harry and Meghan’s security team were not experienced dealing with high-profile celebrities
Taxi driver Sukhcharn Singh said the details of the ‘chase’ have been ‘exaggerated’
Meghan’s mum Doria was reportedly also in the car
