Duke of Sussex was spotted in Manhattan on a solo venture

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, made a high-profile appearance at a famous New York City tattoo parlor, East Side Ink, during his latest trip to the Big Apple. Despite ongoing legal battles over security issues in the UK, the prince was given enhanced protection in the US, largely due to a previous incident involving paparazzi in Manhattan.

On Wednesday, Prince Harry arrived at the Lower East Side tattoo shop around 1 pm and stayed for over an hour. Though East Side Ink is known for inking Hollywood A-listers like the Avengers cast—Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, and Jeremy Renner—sources say the prince didn’t get tattooed. Instead, his visit was reportedly part of a promotional stunt for an upcoming project.

Heightened security for Prince Harry

Harry’s NYC trip has seen heightened security measures. Photographs obtained by the media showed the 40-year-old prince accompanied by a team of security personnel, including an NYPD officer assigned to his protection.

Two NYPD cars were also seen guarding the front and rear of the area as Harry made his way to the tattoo parlour. This added security is believed to be a precaution following a 2023 “near-catastrophic” car chase in Manhattan, in which Harry, Meghan Markle, and her mother were pursued by aggressive paparazzi.

Solo ventures continue in NYC

Harry’s latest visit to New York coincides with the UN General Assembly High-Level Week and Climate Week. His solo appearances are reportedly aimed at advancing his philanthropic initiatives, which include work with African Parks, The HALO Trust, The Diana Award, and Travalyst. The prince’s NYC agenda also seems to be blending business with pleasure. His visit to East Side Ink occurred the same day as his appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, where he participated in a haunted house segment with Fallon.

Next on Harry’s schedule is a return to the UK, where he is expected to serve as a special guest presenter at the WellChild Awards on September 30. His wife, Meghan Markle, was notably absent during this leg of his solo tour.