Prince Harry, Meghan Markle bring back ‘abnormal’ security with 4-car motorcade for NYC outing

New York Post - Apr 23rd, 2025

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent visit to New York City is making headlines due to their extensive security measures. The couple, who were in town for Markle's engagement at the Time100 Summit, traveled with a four-car motorcade, including two SUVs and two unmarked police vehicles. This level of security has drawn criticism, with comparisons to other celebrities like Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian, who typically use fewer vehicles. Concerns were also raised about whether the city bore the cost of the unmarked police cars, as neither the Sussexes' representatives nor the NYPD have clarified the financial arrangements.

This incident highlights ongoing security concerns for the Sussexes, especially following a previous car chase with paparazzi in May 2023. While the couple maintains that their safety is at risk, law enforcement sources have questioned the details of that incident. The debate over their security needs versus the public cost continues, raising broader questions about the balance between celebrity privacy and public resources. The situation underscores the challenges faced by high-profile individuals in ensuring their safety while navigating public spaces.

New York City Prince Harry Meghan Markle Nypd Paparazzi Security Measures Time100 Summit

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RATING

5.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and engaging account of the Sussexes' visit to New York City and their security measures. It effectively captures public interest by focusing on a high-profile event involving well-known figures. However, the reliance on unnamed sources and the lack of authoritative voices weaken the overall accuracy and source quality of the piece. While the story is clear and readable, it could benefit from more balanced representation of perspectives and greater transparency in sourcing. The article's potential to influence public opinion or drive meaningful discussion is moderate, as it primarily addresses the specific actions of the Sussexes rather than broader societal issues. Overall, the story succeeds in engaging readers interested in celebrity culture but falls short in providing a comprehensive and balanced analysis.

Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims that are mostly consistent with known information, such as the Sussexes' use of a four-car motorcade and their previous experiences with paparazzi in NYC. However, there are areas needing verification, such as whether the NYPD provided unmarked police vehicles at taxpayer expense and the exact details of the May 2023 paparazzi chase. The story mentions a lack of collision reports or 911 calls, which suggests some discrepancies in the narrative of the chase. Overall, while the article relies on some credible information, it lacks definitive evidence for certain claims, reducing its overall accuracy.

Balance

The article leans towards a critical perspective on the Sussexes' security measures, highlighting criticisms from unnamed sources and comparisons to other celebrities. It lacks representation of the Sussexes' viewpoint or any statements from their representatives, which could provide a more balanced perspective. By focusing heavily on criticisms, the story may inadvertently present a biased view, omitting any potential justifications for the Sussexes' security decisions.

Clarity

The article is generally clear in its presentation, with a logical flow from the description of the Sussexes' visit to the criticisms of their security measures. The language is straightforward, making it accessible to a general audience. However, the use of unnamed sources and lack of detailed evidence for some claims could lead to confusion or skepticism among readers. Despite this, the overall structure and tone are effective in conveying the main points.

Source quality

The article primarily cites unnamed sources such as paparazzi insiders and references previous reporting by Page Six. The lack of named or authoritative sources diminishes the credibility of the information presented. Additionally, the absence of comments from the NYPD or the Sussexes' representatives further weakens the article's reliability. The reliance on potentially biased sources without corroboration from more authoritative voices affects the overall source quality.

Transparency

The article does not provide much transparency regarding its sources or the basis for certain claims. It does not disclose the methodology behind the comparisons of celebrity security measures or the criteria used to assess the 'over-the-top' nature of the Sussexes' motorcade. The lack of transparency about how information was obtained or verified limits the reader's ability to fully understand the context and reliability of the claims made.