Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited victims of the wildfires that have devastated much of Los Angeles. On January 10, the couple spoke to victims and thanked first responders, including Los Angeles County firefighters and police. The couple wore casual outfits for the volunteer work.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, always willing to exploit a tragedy to promote themselves. It’s disgusting. And her and Harry’s attempts to still act like royals is appalling. They are merely two nitwit celebrities with a failing brand, and yet the mayor of Pasadena and Gavin… pic.twitter.com/2U9UCC9I7F
— Royal News Network (@RNN_RoyalNews) January 11, 2025
Both wore jeans and caps. Meghan, 43, also wore a blue shirt while Harry, 40, sported a black Polo shirt. Royal fans noted how Harry appeared protective of Meghan during the visit.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who live north of Los Angeles in the affluent town of Montecito and previously opened up their home to loved ones displaced by the wildfires, were spotted at the Pasadena Convention Center…"https://t.co/xOlG9tB6MF
— Agathe de Lili (@AgathedeLili) January 11, 2025
He frequently reached to hold her hand. Social media users commented on how attentive he was to Meghan.
When Meghan Markle moved to the UK, she secretly cooked with women who’d lost everything in London’s Grenfell Tower fire. Now back in Southern CA, she & Prince Harry volunteered to support Eaton Fire victims. Their geography may have changed but their spirit of service endures. pic.twitter.com/S5JeTk3ATh
— R.S. Locke / Royal Suitor (@royal_suitor) January 11, 2025
One fan wrote, “If there’s one thing Harry is gonna do, it’s hold Meghan’s hand.” Another said, “He always makes sure she is safe.”
The Eaton Fire has wreaked havoc throughout LA County, hitting Altadena — a historic Black community — especially hard. That’s the neighborhood where Prince Harry & Meghan handed out food and offered support to the families forced to evacuate. #LAFire https://t.co/daYJLzYaf5
— R.S. Locke / Royal Suitor (@royal_suitor) January 11, 2025
As well as helping in Pasadena, the couple has contributed clothing, children’s items, and other essential supplies to those affected by the wildfires.
Their children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, did not accompany their parents on the visit. The presence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex among the victims highlights their continued commitment to supporting those in need. It shows a touching moment of solidarity and compassion.
The Duchess of Sussex’s new show has been postponed until March due to the Los Angeles wildfires. The lifestyle series, which was filmed in southern California, had been due to premiere on Wednesday. The streaming giant said it had offered its “full support” to Meghan’s request to delay the release.
The wildfires have claimed at least 24 lives and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate their homes. In a statement, the streaming giant described the upcoming programme as a “heartfelt tribute to the beauty of southern California.” It added that it was moving the premiere of ‘With Love, Meghan’ due to the “ongoing devastation” caused by the fires. “I’m thankful to my partners for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,” the Duchess said.
The programme, filmed in the southern California town of Montecito — where Meghan and her husband Prince Harry live — will now air on March 4. The wildfires have not yet spread to the coastal enclave, which is located around 160km (99 miles) north-west of Los Angeles. However, its fire risk rating is considered high by the Montecito Fire Department.
Harry and Meghan aid wildfire victims
The show includes eight 30-minute episodes featuring appearances from celebrities such as actress Mindy Kaling and former Suits star Abigail Spencer. In the trailer released earlier this month, Meghan is seen garnishing a cake with raspberries and harvesting honey in California, where she lives with her husband Prince Harry and their two children.
On Friday, Prince Harry and Meghan were seen hugging residents in the devastated area of Pasadena in the wake of the worst wildfires LA has ever seen. The situation remains dire, with experts warning that the dry Santa Ana winds are expected to pick up overnight and continue to cause problems until Wednesday. The dedication and resolve of the community and volunteers have been evident as thousands have gathered to help at donation centres across the Los Angeles area.
Actress Justine Bateman has criticized Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s efforts to assist victims of the recent LA wildfires. She labeled the couple “disaster tourists” and accused them of seeking a “photo op.”
On Saturday, Bateman, 58, known for her role in “Family Ties,” took to social media to express her disdain for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s involvement in the relief efforts in Pasadena, California. “They are no better than ambulance chasers,” she wrote.
“What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved. They are touring the damage? Are they politicians now?”
Bateman reposted a clip over the weekend showing Harry, 40, and Markle, 43, volunteering at a convention center in Pasadena.
Representatives for the couple have yet to respond to inquiries about Bateman’s remarks. However, not everyone shared Bateman’s perspective. Pasadena’s Mayor Victor M.
Gordo praised the couple’s participation, calling them “great people with great hearts” who took the time to meet with first responders and victims of the wildfire. The mayor recounted how Harry grabbed a donut for a victim at the convention center, saying the individual didn’t recognize Harry but pledged to vote for him if he ever ran for office. Over the past week, as more than 100,000 Los Angeles County residents evacuated due to the fires, the Duke and Duchess’s Archewell Foundation donated supplies, clothing, and children’s items to those in need.
They also reportedly opened their home to friends who were evacuating. Amidst the chaos, Meghan Markle postponed the launch of her upcoming Netflix show, which was initially set to premiere on Wednesday. Other celebrities, including Jennifer Garner, Leighton Meester, and Miles Teller, were also seen aiding in relief efforts as the fires continued to rage.
The controversy surrounding Harry and Meghan’s wildfire relief efforts highlights the divergent opinions on the involvement of public figures in disaster situations. While some, like Justine Bateman, view their actions as opportunistic, others, including local leaders and residents, appreciate the Duke and Duchess’s contributions during trying times.