During his recent New York visit, Prince William received a warm welcome from enthusiastic crowds that thronged the streets. This was very different from what happened when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited recently. They had a tough time with the paparazzi chasing them.
The Prince of Wales graciously posed for photographs while engaging in a walkabout, a serene scene that sharply contrasted with the frenzied exit of the Sussexes from the Ziegfeld Ballroom in May. While the size of the crowds may tempt some to draw comparisons, the striking differences truly stood out in William’s favor.
One notable contrast was the closure of Liberty Street for Prince William’s appearance, allowing him to leisurely stroll and meet fans who patiently awaited him behind well-organized barriers.
In stark contrast, Harry and Meghan’s arrival at the Ziegfeld Ballroom seemed hurried since they entered through an office associated with a car rental company, Hertz, and were swiftly ushered into a waiting vehicle amidst a swarm of paparazzi.
This distinction is likely rooted in the status and recognition accorded to a visit by a working member of the British royal family, representing the United Kingdom on official business.
While Prince Harry has undoubtedly gained much since leaving the palace, such as securing lucrative contracts with Netflix and Spotify, the contrasting receptions in New York highlight the unique status he left behind within the British royal family.
Prince William’s New York Visit
The heir to the throne began his visit to New York by going to an oyster farm on a Monday. After that, he went to The Ten House fire station near the World Trade Center. This station lost five firefighters during the 9/11 attacks.
Prince William talked about the mental health of first responders. This is a cause he cares about, especially because he faced mental health challenges when working as an air ambulance pilot in Britain.
During his visit, Lieutenant Drew Kane talked to Prince William about the importance of recognizing suicide risks and PTSD among firefighters. Lieutenant Kane said Prince William clearly understood these issues and had personal experience with them.
Prince William also took the time to meet the people of New York who had gathered outside the fire station. The police closed Liberty Street briefly for his visit.
As a token of appreciation, Prince William was given an “I Love NY” T-shirt, which he gave to one of his assistants. When asked if he might bring his children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—to New York someday, he replied warmly, “One day I’d love to.
How Prince William’s New York Visit Contrasts with Prince Harry
In May, Harry and Meghan faced their most challenging visit to New York City when they attended the Women of Vision awards, hosted by the Ms. Foundation for Women at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
Meghan radiated glamour in a stunning gold gown by Johanna Ortiz. However, their arrival through a Hertz rental car outlet lacked the usual glitz and glamour, and their departure presented even more challenges.
The couple’s spokesperson issued a statement suggesting that they had experienced a nearly disastrous two-hour car chase. Although the NYPD seemed to downplay their account, it appeared that the police were either unable or unwilling to prevent photographers from trailing the family.
This was the exact opposite of what Prince William experienced during his New York visit.
Video footage from the event depicted a patrol car following his vehicle, but the police presence fell far short of the comprehensive measures that allowed Prince William to interact with fans outside the firehouse freely.