The ‘shocking’ idea that royal commentator declares should get Prince Harry and Meghan’s security team ‘fired’

Prince Harry and Meghan's security team have been criticized by a royal commentator over a decision they could've made regarding the couple

Prince Harry and Meghan's security team criticized. Seen here the Sussexes attend the unveiling of The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy
(Image credit: Photo by Dominic Lipinski - Pool/Getty Images)

There's a “shocking” idea that a royal commentator believes should get Prince Harry and Meghan’s security team "fired” if they made it. 


Just a day after Meghan Markle reflected on her “funny” afterschool “ritual” in a speech during her and Prince Harry’s first public appearance post-coronation the couple released a shocking statement. Their spokesperson declared Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Doria Ragland were involved in a “near catastrophic” car chase in New York as they left the Ms. Foundation’s Women of Vision Awards. Now royal commentator and columnist Victoria Arbiter has spoken out about what she perceives to be a “shocking” decision that could reportedly have been made by Prince Harry and Meghan’s security team.

Doria Ragland, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards

(Image credit: Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Ms. Foundation for Women)

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are understood to have left the awards on May 16 in a black SUV before later switching to a New York taxicab. The driver has since spoken out about the intense experience as paparazzi pursued the King’s youngest son and daughter-in-law.

Taking to Twitter after the Sussexes’ statement was shared, Victoria expressed her belief that if the couple’s security team were the ones who made the decision to move the royals from an SUV to a taxi they should be “fired” for this “shocking” idea. 

“If Harry and Meghan’s security detail made the decision for them to switch from an SUV to a taxi they need to be fired,” she wrote. “A NYC taxi driver would have no experience dealing with flashbulbs or driving defensively. This is why you hire pros.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after the Women of Vision awards

(Image credit: Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

After receiving a reply that suggested that this wasn’t “necessarily” the case, Victoria admitted that there remain a lot of “questions” surrounding the incident. However, she maintained her criticism for the idea of moving them to a vehicle driven by someone who was “inexperienced” in a “defensive” driving.

“There are still lots of questions, Judy, but I think directing them to drive with an inexperienced driver in a defensive situation is a shocking idea. They’d have been better driving in a police car with the sirens on,” the royal commentator said. 

In their statement, Prince Harry and Meghan’s spokesperson described the couple as being followed by a “ring of highly aggressive paparazzi” and said that the “relentless pursuit” lasted “over two hours”. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seen at Melba's restaurant in Harlem

(Image credit: Photo by Robert Kamau/GC Images via Getty)

Prince Harry, who is fifth in the royal line of succession, previously discussed how he believes the “paparazzi still harass people” in episode 2 of the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries. At the beginning of the episode the importance of safety whilst driving and evasive driving techniques was highlighted through scenes filmed in November 2021 in New York. 

The Sussexes are seen leaving a car park, with Prince Harry immediately asking how long the drive would be and Meghan having to ask the driver because she wasn’t sure after the “detour” that had been specifically planned to avoid paparazzi. 

Later on Meghan appeared slightly stressed on the highway as Prince Harry comforted her, saying, “We’ll be with friends in less than 10 minutes.”

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!