Duchess Meghan needs more security personnel than a diplomat

Several cars rustled in New York City for the Broadway performance of “Gypsy”. Duchess Meghan accompanied a total of three black SUVs and a civilian vehicle of the New York Police Department (NYPD) – an effort that is considered extraordinary even in promotional tours.

According to information from “Page Six”, the Duchess security team consisted of former Secret Service agents. According to the report, two investigators of the intelligence department sat in the civilian police car. While Meghan himself was sitting in one of the SUVs, the other two cars drove empty – presumably to lure Paparazzi in a targeted manner on false tracks through the metropolis.

Even superstar Taylor Swift keeps it much more subtle, explained a source: “Taylor usually has two vehicles – that in which she sits herself, and one with her security team.” When performing, there is often a third car with her team on site, but she does not travel in the convoy. Other A-Lister such as Kim Kardashian, Jay-Z, Beyoncé or Rihanna would usually only use one car, a maximum of two, with family-and all without a police escort.

Even diplomats usually only receive standardized security measures, including armored vehicles, discrete bodyguards and police accompaniment, depending on the risk situation and their diplomatic rank. In comparison, Meghan’s security contingent-with several SUVs, folding vehicles and ex-elite agents-has a much more extensive and individual effect than that of a diplomat.

“Meghan is out of control, completely exaggerated – and it is ridiculous when the city pays for it,” criticized the source. “And if the NYPD was not on duty, then they shouldn’t have had any special rights in traffic. Anyone must have paid for it.” So far, it is unclear whether the city of New York came up for this security contingent or whether it was paid privately.

The sensational appearance began with a dinner in the Polo Bar by Ralph Lauren, followed by visiting the musical “Gypsy” in Majestic Theater. Meanwhile, Prince Harry was traveling in Ukraine and complained about police protection in Great Britain the past few days before.

The security situation around the royal couple does not make debates for the first time. In May 2023, her spokesmen reported on an “almost catastrophic chase” with Paparazzi in New York City. “This relentless persecution, which lasted over two hours, led to several near-collisions with other drivers, pedestrians and two NYPD officials,” it said at the time. But there were also doubts about this presentation. A NYPD source told the “New York Post” that no accidents were reported or emergency calls received.

In the meantime, Harry is also more security-conscious: In September 2024, he traveled to a tattoo studio in Manhattan with several bodyguards and two NYPD vehicles-for a video with the singer Jelly Roll.