Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently showed their compassionate side during the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
The couple visited the Pasadena Convention Center, an evacuation hub, where they supported victims by distributing food and offering comfort.
Their thoughtful actions, including an extraordinary gesture from Prince Harry, left a lasting impact on the community.
The royal couple assists wildfire victims in California
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who reside in Montecito near Santa Barbara, approximately 90 miles from Los Angeles, actively supported wildfire victims.
They joined Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California’s First Partner, at the evacuation center to hand out food parcels.
Mayor Victor Gordo accompanied them during the visit. They engaged directly with survivors, offering support through donations and words of encouragement.
Their Archewell Foundation also made significant contributions to relief efforts, and the couple opened their $29 million Montecito mansion to evacuees.
Prince Harry’s touching moment with an elderly man
A particularly heartwarming incident highlighted Prince Harry’s empathy. Mayor Gordo shared that he briefly lost track of Harry during the visit, only to witness a remarkable act of kindness.
Harry approached an elderly man and asked if he needed anything to eat.
The man, unaware of Harry’s identity, replied, “What I’d really like is a donut.” Harry, determined to help, responded, “There’s no donut here, but I will find one.”
Harry left the evacuation center and returned ten minutes later with a donut. The man, surprised and delighted, joked, “I guess I need my carbs and my sugar.” The interaction remained anonymous until later, with the gentleman quipping, “If you ever run for anything, I’ll vote for you!”
Meghan and Harry visit first responders and affected families
The couple also toured burnt-out neighborhoods in Pasadena and Altadena to witness the devastation firsthand. They spoke with families who had lost their homes, offering both comfort and support.
At the command post in the Rose Bowl, Meghan and Harry spent time with first responders.
Mayor Gordo praised their genuine and down-to-earth nature, stating, “They buoyed the spirits of the first responders. People were very happy to see them.”
Gordo emphasized that the couple’s efforts were not for publicity, as they kept their masks on and worked anonymously to serve food during an earlier visit to the evacuation center.
A partnership with chef josé andrés and world central kitchen
During the visit, Meghan and Harry reunited with Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen. The chef has been collaborating with their Archewell Foundation since 2020 to provide free hot meals in disaster-stricken areas.
Meghan shared a lemon olive oil cake recipe in Andrés’ cookbook, The World Central Kitchen: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope, in 2023.
The couple’s partnership with Andrés highlights their commitment to providing direct aid during crises.
Media criticism overshadows efforts
Media coverage of the visit sparked backlash due to inappropriate remarks. Fox News anchor Susan Hirasuna referred to Meghan as “Princess Markle” and commented that she was “hanging out with the commoners.”
The misstep prompted corrections from viewers, who pointed out that Meghan is the Duchess of Sussex, not a princess.
Social media users criticized the tone of the coverage, calling it “cringe” and “distasteful,” overshadowing the couple’s compassionate efforts.
In a statement on their website, Harry and Meghan encouraged residents to assist wildfire victims. They urged offering homes to evacuees, checking on elderly or disabled neighbors, and donating essentials like clothing and toys.
The couple emphasized the importance of community solidarity.
“Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys, and other essentials,” they wrote, highlighting the American Red Cross’s efforts in providing immediate aid.
The wildfires in California have already claimed over 16 lives and burned through nearly 14,000 acres. Thousands of structures, including Hollywood homes, have been destroyed.