Royal | News - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Pasadena in California where they were seen consoling victims of the wildfires, and met the city’s mayor, Victor Gordo, and emergency workers tackling the Eaton Fire.
The wildfires have caused devastation across almost 14,000 acres, damaging thousands of buildings and structures and tragically killing 11 people.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were pictured hugging evacuees of the wildfires on January 10, and seen also on hand serving meals to people who had fled from their homes.
Pasadena Mayor, Victor Gordo, praised the couple’s efforts: “They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. They’re just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbours.”
Social media users, however, have had mixed reviews on the couple’s efforts, with some branding them on X “disaster tourists”, believing it was a type of publicity stunt.
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Through their Archewell Foundation, it is reported Harry and Meghan have contributed monetary donations and plan to continue supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts with future visits.
Harry and Meghan previously issued a statement and urgent plea for help on their website: “In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life.”
The couple, who live in Montecito, California, also posted a series of links on their Sussex.com website to various charities people can help with and urged people to “open their homes” to those evacuated.