The taxi driver who drove Harry and Meghan through New York City during a car chase has spoken out.

Sukhcharn Singh, who drove the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on part of their journey on Tuesday evening, said they were followed by paparazzi – but didn’t agree with the couple’s assessment that it was “near catastrophic”.

It comes after Harry and Meghan’s press secretary Ashley Hansen exclusively told Sky’s Mark Stone:

“I have never experienced their vulnerability as much as I did last night. They were incredibly scared and shaken up”.
Ashley Hansen

Ms. Hansen also said the police had to confront photographers and ask for space on multiple occasions – but “that wish was not respected”.

Speaking about the couple’s description of the situation, Mr. 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 are police stations, there are cops on every corner, so there’s no reason to be afraid in New York”.
Sukhcharn Singh

Mr. Singh has said he never felt like he was in danger – and shrugged off suggestions that it was like a car chase you would see in the movies.

He went on to reveal that the couple tipped him $50 (£40) for the 10-minute drive – adding that the pair “seemed nervous” while they were in his car.

In other developments, a celebrity news agency that filmed Harry and Meghan up close has also disputed their version of events – and claimed it was actually an SUV in the couple’s security detail that was driving recklessly.

The Sussexes dropped off at the New York City Police Department

A statement from Backgrid said it had received footage from four freelance photographers who had no intention of causing distress or harm – and several pictures showed Meghan smiling inside the taxi.

It added:

“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”.
Statement from Backgrid

Backgrid went on to stress that it does not condone harassment or illegal activity, adding:

“We are taking Prince Harry’s allegations seriously and will be conducting a thorough investigation into the matter”.
Statement from Backgrid

Two New York police officers also played down the incident – describing it as “a bit chaotic” rather than “near catastrophic”.

Officers said the Sussexes had been driven around 57th Street, FDR Drive, and nearby roads for about an hour and 15 minutes as they were followed by paparazzi before they were dropped off at the New York City Police Department’s 19th precinct.

They were picked up by Mr. Singh shortly after.

Security for the couple claimed that they were being pursued by cars, mopeds, and electric bikes that at times mounted the pavement to keep up with the couple’s vehicle.

They claim at least 15 lights were ignored by the paparazzi as they followed the couple through the city – describing them as driving “aggressively and badly”.

However, they did not describe the incident as a “high-speed chase”.

Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace have not commented publicly – and according to the PA news agency, the Royal Family has not been in touch with Harry and Meghan since the incident.

New York’s mayor Eric Adams has said two police officers could have been injured as they assisted Harry and Meghan’s private security team while their car was being followed.

He added:

“Public safety must always be at the forefront. In a briefing, I received [I heard] two of our officers could have been injured… I don’t think there’s many of us who don’t recall how [Harry’s] mum died.