Meghan Markle has been criticised for travelling in an ‘absolutely abnormal’ four-car motorcade to watch a play on Broadway, New York on Thursday night

Meghan Markle has been criticised for rocking up at a play in New York in an ‘over the top’ and ‘absolutely abnormal’ motorcade

Meghan Markle has been slammed for rocking up at a play in New York with a four-car motorcade – including an unmarked police vehicle. The former Suits star travelled to watch Broadway show, Gypsy, on Thursday night, using three SUVs – and an NY Police Department car, according to reports.

It has also been claimed the mum-of-two, 43, hired former Secret Service agents to bolster her private security team. Two intelligence detectives were said to have ridden in the unmarked police car, which reportedly belonged to the NY Police Department in a move which has been slammed by the US paparazzi.

Meghan Markle gushed about meeting the cast of Gypsy backstage in New York(Image: Instagram/ @meghan)

The strict security measures have been heavily criticised by photographers – hoping to take a snap of the former royal – Page Six reported. The publication claimed that the paparazzi had described Meghan’s efforts as “absolutely abnormal, totally over-the-top and excessive”.

Giving their take on the Netflix star’s reported mode of transport, they said: “Meghan is out of control and over-the-top, and it’s ridiculous if the city is paying for this. And if NYPD was not on duty, then they shouldn’t be allowed to run lights. Somebody’s got to be paying for it.”

However, the outlet pointed out that celebrities can ask NYPD for its services if they want protection.

Meghan was not joined by her husband Prince Harry, who was visiting Ukraine at the time, and went for a slap-up meal at Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar before watching Gypsy at the Majestic Theatre.

After watching the show, which has been running since November 2024, the Netflix star met some members of the cast.

Sharing series of photos backstage with the star-studded group, Meghan gushed about meeting actress Audra McDonald.

She captioned a snap in her photo carousel: “If you get a chance to see @gypsybway, you absolutely must. Congratulations to the tremendously talented cast and crew for creating magic on that stage.

She also caught up with Hollywood A-lister, Audra McDonald(Image: Instagram/ @meghan)

“And meeting @audramcdonald for the first time last night…’ she continued, including a smiley-face emoji with tears in its eyes.

“Her performance will leave you absolutely speechless. Full body chills. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house, and if the theatre didn’t have to close for the night, the standing ovation would still be happening.”

Reports suggest Meghan managed to remain under the radar among theatre-goers, despite escalated security measures. After the show, Gypsy’s production shared photographs of the duchess engaging with the cast members backstage.

They wrote, “Thank you for visiting us at the Majestic, @meghan It was an honour to have you in the audience for #GypsyBway!”

Meghan’s fans loved the snaps, with one person writing, “This is too amazing. Audra and Meghan.” Ahh so glad that Princess Meghan got to meet the cast & especially Queen Audra. Hope Meghan & her friends enjoyed the show,” another person gushed. Meanwhile, a third commented: “How fun!!! Both ladies look absolutely beautiful!!”