Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have stepped up to support those affected by the deadly Southern California wildfires, offering both financial aid and on-the-ground assistance.
On January 10, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited World Central Kitchen in Pasadena, where they helped distribute food and supplies to victims of the Eaton Fire. The couple, who reside about 90 miles north of Los Angeles, focused on supporting wildfire relief efforts quietly, while seeing firsthand the devastating impact on families and communities. Meghan and Harry donated essential items, served meals alongside other volunteers, and connected with affected families and elderly residents in the area.
The couple’s visit was part of a broader effort to show gratitude for first responders, including Los Angeles County firefighters and police. Meghan and Harry were joined by California’s First Partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, who thanked them for their contributions. Gordo highlighted how Harry and Meghan “really buoyed the spirits of the first responders,” noting their genuine care for those affected by the fires.
In addition to helping on the ground, Meghan and Harry are also supporting relief efforts through their Archewell Foundation. The couple has made monetary contributions and plans to continue assisting in recovery and rebuilding efforts. During their visit, they met with World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés to express their admiration for the organization’s work. The Duke and Duchess have long supported the organization, which provides meals to communities in need during times of crisis.
Despite their significant presence, Meghan and Harry kept their visit low-key, with both wearing masks as they served food to evacuees. Mayor Gordo emphasized that their visit wasn’t about publicity but about making a tangible difference. “They want to be as helpful as they can be,” Gordo said. The couple also visited burned-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena, where they met with affected families.
Furthermore, Meghan and Harry have opened their Montecito home to friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate due to the fires. Through Archewell, they are also working on identifying other ways to support the community in this difficult time. In a statement released on their website, the couple shared their heartbreak over the destruction caused by the wildfires and offered resources for displaced families, including connections to organizations like World Central Kitchen, Airbnb, and 211LA.
The Eaton Fire, which began earlier this week, has burned nearly 14,000 acres and caused widespread damage. It is the second-largest wildfire to hit the region, trailing only the Palisades Fire in terms of destruction. The fire has claimed the lives of at least 11 people, with five of those fatalities linked to the Eaton Fire. The fires have devastated communities, including Altadena, and continue to pose a significant threat to the surrounding areas, including Pasadena.
