They were reported to have been subjected to a "relentless pursuit" involving around six blacked-out vehicles after attending an awards ceremony on Tuesday night.
A member of the Sussexes' security detail involved in the chase said it left the couple "scared" and "exhausted". Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, 66, was said to have been "terrified".
But two New York police officials said they did not believe the chase was "near catastrophic", describing "a bit of a chaotic scene" as the Sussexes tried to get back to their residence without being followed.
Celebrity news agency BACKGRID, which covered the Sussexes' car journey, challenged many of the royals' claims, saying: "There were no near-collisions or near-crashes. The photographers have reported feeling that the couple was not in immediate danger at any point."
Julian Phillips, deputy commissioner of the New York Police Department, said officers "assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess".
Shaken
He added: "There were numerous photographers that made their transport challenging. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination.
"There were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, arrests." Prince Harry's spokesman had said earlier the paparazzi pursuit resulted in near-collisions other drivers, pedestrians and with police officers. Harry, 38, and wife Meghan, 41, were "extremely upset and shaken" by it. A statement said: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Ms Ragland were involved in a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi.
"This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near-collisions involving other drivers, pedestrians and two NYPD officers.
This story is from the May 18, 2023 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 18, 2023 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
RIGHT TIME FOR DYCHE TO LEAVE
...and for Moyes to make an emotional Goodison return
Same old story in limp opening to new era
IF David Moyes tuned in to see the team he could potentially be taking charge of, then this will have been an eye-opening watch. The expected replacement for Sean Dyche in the Goodison Park hotseat will have an FA Cup fourth round clash to contend with next month. But this was hardly a performance to get Moyes'
Social media hype is red flag for Van Dijk
VIRGIL VAN DIJK admits he is concerned about Liverpool players being distracted by the hype surrounding their drive for silverware.
Rooney was no film stunt for Pilgrims
PLYMOUTH chairman Simon Hallett has hit back at suggestions Wayne Rooney was hired as a publicity stunt after confirming a planned documentary would no longer be taking place.
RUBEN TO MAKE BEE LINE FOR MBEUMO
MANCHESTER UNITED are plotting a raid on Brentford for Cameroon star Bryan Mbeumo. United head coach Ruben Amorim is a huge admirer of the 25-year-old forward, and believes he would fit into his long-term plans at Old Trafford.
Ashford cuts down Blades
CIAN ASHFORD helped Cardiff turn the form book upside down by dumping Sheffield United out of the FA Cup.
DEJA
Moyes in talks over a return to Everton after Dyche sacked just before cup tie
Murray will not rein in Djokovic's ranting
COACH IN FIRING LINE
Far from Fab but Hurzeler will not panic
BRIGHTON BOSS STILL TRUSTS PROCESS DESPITE POOR FORM
Full speed ahead as Hornets humbled
FULHAM were far too good for Watford as Marco Silva sent his old club crashing to a fourth consecutive defeat.
