The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have volunteered to help victims of the devastating wildfires raging in California. Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan Markle, 43, arrived in Pasadena as volunteers.
According to The People, the couple distributed food and essential supplies to those affected alongside the nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen. They also spoke with victims and their families, expressing gratitude to firefighters and rescue workers for their efforts. A video of Harry and Meghan aired on FOX 11 Los Angeles YouTube channel.
The Duke and Duchess’s efforts were highly praised by Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo. He stated that their participation boosted the morale of both the rescue workers and the victims. Gordo also emphasized that Harry and Meghan tried not to draw too much attention to themselves, distributing food while wearing masks and focusing on helping people.
Despite this, the couple faced accusations of exploiting the tragedy for publicity.
Under the Fox 11 Los Angeles YouTube video, some commenters suggested that Markle and her husband could not pass up another opportunity for self-promotion: “The Queen of drama has arrived,” “She’s trying to boost ratings for her upcoming Netflix show,” “Hello, peasants, here’s a hug,” and “Meanwhile, Taylor Swift donated $10 million.”
Even more negativity was directed at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on X (formerly Twitter): “Grief Grifters Prince Harry & Meghan Markle SOLD their photos to multiple media outlets including TMZ,” “Will Harry & Meghan be donating the money they have made off these photos to the victims?”
However, supporters of the Duke and Duchess defended them, pointing out that the amount they may have donated remains unknown. Additionally, Meghan and Harry provide tangible help in other ways—for example, they opened their Montecito home to evacuees.
As reported, the death toll from numerous fires in Los Angeles County has risen to 16.
On January 12, NBC News cited updated data from the county’s Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.
It was reported that 11 people died as a result of fires in the Eaton area in the foothills of the Angeles National Forest, in the city of Pasadena, and in the Alta Dena region, while another five people lost their lives in the Pacific Palisades area.
Eight of the deceased have not been identified yet, and the name of one is being withheld until their family is notified of their death. One person, 66-year-old Viktor Shaw, has been identified as a victim of the fire in Eaton, NBC News reported.
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