A photo agency that took photos ofPrince HarryandMeghan Markleduring what their spokesperson described as a “near catastrophic car chase” is refusing to hand over their images.

Backgridtold BBC Newsit had rejected a legal demand to share any photos that were taken after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the Ms. Foundation 2023Women of Vision Awardson Tuesday night.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.James Devaney/GC Images

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex leave The Ziegfeld Theatre on May 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)

In reply, Backgrid told the BBC it sent a letter via its lawyers which stated that “In America, as I’m sure you know, property belongs to the owner of it: Third parties cannot just demand it be given to them, as perhaps Kings can do.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Kevin Mazur/Getty

Meghan Markle at Women of Vision Awards

Doria Ragland, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Doria Ragland, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex attend the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards: Celebrating Generations of Progress & Power at Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 16, 2023 in New York City

“Last night, 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 on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD officers,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “While being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone’s safety.”

“The NYPD assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. There were numerous photographers that made their transport challenging,” the statement read. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in regard.”

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and her mother Doria Ragland depart The Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards

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A source told PEOPLE on Thursday that the couple was"shaken"following the evening.

“It was a disturbing situation, and they were shaken but they are glad everyone’s OK,” they said.

According to the source, after photographers captured Harry and Meghan leaving the event, they picked up the pursuit in an apparent attempt to find out where they were staying.

source: people.com