Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Southern California on Friday to support evacuees and first responders impacted by the devastating Eaton Fire, a blaze that has ravaged nearly 14,000 acres and left a trail of destruction in the Pasadena and Altadena areas. The fire, which is only 3% contained, has claimed six lives and destroyed or damaged more than 7,000 structures.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who live in Montecito, approximately 90 miles from the fire zone, quietly joined efforts at the Pasadena Convention Center, which has been converted into an evacuation shelter. The couple distributed food and supplies, working alongside World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés and celebrated chef Roy Choi.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo praised their hands-on involvement, noting their effort to engage with evacuees and first responders without drawing attention to themselves. "No one knew they were serving food with masks," Gordo said, emphasizing that the couple's visit was not about publicity. "They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders and the evacuees."
Harry and Meghan also toured fire-ravaged areas in Pasadena and Altadena, speaking with affected families and offering comfort. Their Archewell Foundation, which has a longstanding partnership with World Central Kitchen, provided monetary donations and pledged continued support for relief and rebuilding efforts.
In a statement posted on their official website, the couple called the wildfires devastating and shared resources to assist those displaced. "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 statement read.
The Eaton Fire is the second major blaze to sweep through Southern California this week, following the Palisades Fire. As of Friday, over 1,600 personnel had been deployed to combat the fire, which continues to threaten communities along the Angeles National Forest.
At the Convention Center, Harry and Meghan joined efforts to provide relief for roughly 1,200 evacuees. The auditorium, known for hosting events like ballet performances and television productions, has now become a hub for families displaced by the fire.
Chef Roy Choi, who assisted in preparing meals for evacuees, said the act of cooking was deeply meaningful during times of crisis. "When you are a cook, all you think about is feeding people, that it's your calling in life," he told KCAL News.
Harry and Meghan's presence also highlighted the resilience of the affected communities. "They want to be as helpful as they can be," Mayor Gordo said. "They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time with first responders. They're just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbors."
This marks another chapter in the couple's ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts through their Archewell Foundation. Earlier in the week, they opened their Montecito home to friends and loved ones forced to evacuate due to the fires.
The couple's focus on providing tangible aid extended beyond their visit. They listed organizations such as World Central Kitchen, Airbnb, Baby2Baby, and 211LA on their website, urging those in need to access resources for housing and supplies.
