Insiders noted that Meghan Markle’s motorcade was excessive compared to other A-listers, such as Taylor Swift, who typically travel with minimal security.
While the royal family has been globetrotting—from Prince William and family in the French Alps to King Charles III in Italy—Meghan Markle made a surprise stop in New York City this week, stirring headlines not for her appearance but for the high-security convoy that came with it.
Meghan Markle’s Manhattan Visit Sparks Controversy Over Heightened Security Measures
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, made a splashy return to New York City on Thursday evening, setting off a fresh wave of public and media scrutiny—not for what she did, but for how she moved through the city.
Touching down in Manhattan, Markle was seen enjoying a sophisticated early dinner at Ralph Lauren’s iconic Polo Bar before attending a performance of the classic musical Gypsy on Broadway. Dressed in an elegant black blouse and a stylish houndstooth pencil skirt, she appeared poised and polished. But while her outfit made headlines in fashion circles, it was the motorcade that stirred up a storm.
According to a report by Page Six, Meghan traveled with an entourage that included three SUVs—two of them believed to be decoys—and an unmarked NYPD vehicle. Sources told the outlet that the Duchess had hired former Secret Service agents to handle her personal protection detail. Additionally, the NYPD vehicle was reportedly carrying two intelligence detectives, raising eyebrows among observers who viewed the security protocol as unusually elaborate.
Security Fit for a Head of State?
A paparazzi source speaking to Page Six described the operation as “absolutely abnormal, totally over-the-top and excessive.” The insider compared it to the standard security setups of other major celebrities: “Taylor Swift usually has two cars—her car that she’s in and a security car with her team… no one gets police escorts,” the source claimed. “Even Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian don’t travel with that kind of motorcade unless family is involved.”
The implication was clear: Meghan’s security arrangement seemed out of proportion, even by Hollywood standards.
However, another source attempted to explain the logic behind the high-level protection, telling Page Six, “It’s something that can be made available based on the threat assessment and the circumstances of where they’re going and what they’re doing.” This suggests that Meghan’s team may have received permission or coordination from law enforcement based on specific risk assessments related to her presence in the city.
Online Backlash: “Nobody Cares”
While Meghan’s evening out was designed to be discreet and personal, it inadvertently became a lightning rod for criticism online. Across social media platforms, netizens didn’t hold back in expressing their opinions on what they saw as excessive, performative behavior.
“Look at all the people NOT lining up to see #MeghanMarkle in NYC. Look at how much nobody cares, including little to no paparazzi,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Nobody cares, #Meghan!,” another chimed in, echoing a popular sentiment across comment sections and threads.
One particularly sarcastic remark read: “My favorite is the bodyguard blocking her from no one who is around,” referring to the apparent lack of on-site crowd activity or visible threats at the theater.
The social media backlash highlighted a growing public fatigue around the Sussexes’ security choices—especially when juxtaposed with the couple’s stated desire for privacy and freedom from royal protocols.
A History of Security Concerns
This is not the first time Meghan and Prince Harry have come under fire—or voiced concern—about personal safety in the United States. In May 2023, the couple made headlines following what they described as a “near catastrophic” car chase in New York City.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes said at the time: “This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians, and two NYPD officers.” The incident, reminiscent of Princess Diana’s tragic death in a Paris car crash, immediately fueled debate about how vulnerable public figures navigate cities like New York.
That incident reportedly occurred after Meghan and Harry attended an awards ceremony and were followed by aggressive photographers. At the time, their representatives called for greater protection and criticized the press for endangering lives.
The heightened security during Meghan’s latest trip could be seen as a direct response to that 2023 episode, suggesting that lessons were learned and precautions escalated accordingly. Whether justified or exaggerated, however, remains hotly contested in the public eye.
Harry’s Absence and Ongoing Tensions
Notably, Prince Harry was not present during Meghan’s New York outing. Instead, he was making a surprise visit to Ukraine—an unannounced trip that added another layer of intrigue to the couple’s separate public engagements.
Harry’s visit to a conflict zone underscored the couple’s continued global advocacy work but also drew attention to the different levels of risk both royals face in their respective travels. With Harry’s current legal battle over the loss of UK-funded security still unfolding in the courts, Meghan’s use of high-powered protection in New York has reignited the debate around whether former royals can—or should—still demand such privileges.
A Delicate Balance Between Fame and Safety
Meghan Markle’s visit to the Majestic Theatre and the events surrounding it have once again placed her at the center of a conversation about celebrity, status, and the complicated intersection of public and private life.
In many ways, her situation is unique: a former senior royal with a massive international profile who has consciously chosen to separate from the institution that once offered her round-the-clock protection. Yet the threats that come with that level of notoriety remain. Her critics argue that she wants the benefits of royal life without the responsibilities. Her defenders say she is simply taking reasonable measures to stay safe in a world where public figures—especially women of color—face intense and sometimes dangerous scrutiny.
Ultimately, Meghan’s appearance in Manhattan—an otherwise low-key evening of dinner and theater—has become yet another flashpoint in the ongoing saga of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. As debate swirls online and in the media, one thing is clear: every move they make continues to attract scrutiny, support, and scorn in equal measure.
