Prince Harry, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, have been fined by the New York police for not wearing seatbelts during a near-catastrophic car chase.
The incident took place on Tuesday night in New York City, as they were being pursued by paparazzi, according to a statement from a spokesperson.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has stated that they provided assistance to Meghan and Harry’s private security team during the incident.
Fortunately, there were no reported collisions, injuries, or arrests, and the couple safely reached their destination, as confirmed by a department spokesperson.
However, an insider source revealed that the Sussexes were fined $150 for deliberately not wearing seatbelts in the taxi, despite warnings from the driver.
In New York State, drivers and passengers over the age of 16 can face fines of over $50 and penalty points on their license for failing to buckle up.
None of the three individuals in the cab, Meghan, Harry, or Doria, were wearing seatbelts.
Ironically, Meghan had previously emphasized the importance of wearing seatbelts in a recent interview.
It is crucial for everyone, regardless of their fame or status, to prioritize safety while traveling by car.
Wearing seatbelts significantly reduces the risk of fatal accidents.
In addition to the seatbelt violation, Meghan may also face fines for disturbing public order by calling the paparazzi.
Her actions not only endangered the lives of pedestrians, taxi drivers, security guards, and policemen but also dragged the NYPD into the situation.
This has resulted in a major internal police investigation, as multiple police stations are being questioned for their alleged failure to assist.
The repercussions of this incident will likely be far-reaching.
Testimonies will be required from the Sussexes, the taxi driver, their bodyguard, as well as any individuals involved in the claimed crashes.
Witnesses, pedestrians, and other drivers present during the two-hour-long chase will also need to provide statements.
Additionally, CCTV footage from the area will be examined.
The reputation and popularity of the Sussexes may suffer a severe blow as a result of these events.
Their actions have raised serious concerns and questions about their judgment and responsibility.
Breaking laws and endangering the public to avoid being photographed is unacceptable.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has expressed skepticism regarding the duration of the high-speed chase, stating that the exact details are still unclear.
He added that staging such an incident in California would have been more believable, but they chose New York to avoid scrutiny from the California Highway Patrol.
Retired NYPD detective Dietel believes that the story presented by the Sussexes is highly implausible.
With the abundance of street cameras in New York City, the police will be able to thoroughly investigate the incident.
Dietel dismissed their claims as “ridiculous” and emphasized his 38 years of experience in the security and law enforcement field.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Sussexes will navigate the legal consequences and the potential impact on their public image.
The incident serves as a reminder that no one is above the law and that safety should always be a top priority, regardless of one’s status or celebrity.