The 'real reason' Prince Harry will receive heightened security in New York revealed

Prince Harry will receive extra protection in Manhattan later this month, according to the NYPD.

By Lauren Welch, Royal Reporter based in London, Nathan Kay, Weekend Editor (Royal)

Harry and Meghan in New York City

Harry and Meghan will receive extra protection in New York, it has been claimed (Image: GETTY)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will receive heightened security during visits to New York City for one major reason.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, is set to travel to Manhattan later this month - with Meghan not set to join her husband.

Harry, who will celebrate his 40th birthday on September 15, will attend the Diana Award event and will advance a number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives during his visit.

The royal's trip is set to take place during UN General Assembly High-level Week and Climate Week, the latter of which runs from September 22 until September 29.

The decision to increase Harry and Meghan's security in the Big Apple comes after the couple's so-called “near catastrophic” paparazzi car chase through Manhattan last May.

According to a letter submitted in the UK court case regarding the Duke's security arrangements, New York Police Department determined that the paparazzi acted in a “reckless” manner when pursuing the royals.

The New York Police Department have already declared that Harry will receive protection in New York this month.

Writing to London’s Metropolitan Police, the NYPD intelligence chief has said it will be "enhancing the security resources afforded to the Duke and Duchess on future visits to the city".

During their visit in 2023, Harry and Meghan found themselves at the centre of a high-speed chase after leaving the Ziegfeld Theatre in Midtown Manhattan. Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland was also present at the time.

Prince Harry

Prince Harry is travelling solo to New York later this month (Image: GETTY)

The trio were followed by paparazzi who were unable to get any pictures of the famous couple as they left the venue.

At the time, a representative for Harry and Meghan claimed they “were involved in a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi.”

Although his event is taking place in New York at the same time, the Prince of Wales has decided against appearing at the Earthshot Innovation Summit in New York on September 24. He will likely send a video message instead.

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