The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, was recently seen assisting in relief efforts for the victims of the Los Angeles fires, as shown in an Instagram reel by the Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery Fund – one of the worst hit areas by the devastating fires. In the video posted on the Recovery Fund’s social media, Meghan appears in casual attire, clad in black leggings, a matching T-shirt, trainers, and an LA-branded baseball cap, arriving with bags full of donations.
Additionally, she is captured sharing an embrace with a volunteer. Not long after Prince Harry and his wife were spotted at a Pasadena food distribution hub, this generous act received fierce criticism from actress Justine Bateman who labelled the couple “disaster tourists”.
Reports indicate that Meghan’s visit occurred on Monday, during which she contributed new clothing and beauty products, stayed to have lunch, conversed with affected families, and even supported the young girls in their charitable endeavour.
Last week, 14-year-old Avery Colvert from Pasadena set up the Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery Fund to gather clothes, beauty products, and haircare items for young teens affected by the fires. It was later revealed that Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation made a donation to the organisation.
A video of Meghan visiting to donate items was released on the day her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, was initially set to premiere. However, due to the ongoing fires in southern California, where the show is mostly set, the release was postponed to March 4, reports the Mirror.
Following criticism of being labelled ‘disaster tourists’ after being photographed hugging fire victims, an insider shared Harry and Meghan’s reaction. As the devastating fires spread across southern California, the Sussexes were seen hugging people, speaking to emergency crews, and meeting with Victor Gordo, Pasadena’s mayor, at the Pasadena Community Centre in Los Angeles on Friday.
They also spoke with World Central Kitchen founder, chef Jose Andres, and were seen embracing victims and volunteers. However, actress Justine Bateman slammed the couple for a “repulsive photo op” in a scathing statement on X, saying: “They are “touring the damage”? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists.”
A source has revealed to Page Six that Harry and Meghan found the actress’s remarks ‘offensive’, stating: “It’s offensive to Meghan and Harry that anybody would think this is merely a photo opportunity.”
The insider also highlighted Meghan’s deep connection to the area, saying, “Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles, so this is, and always will be, home to her.”
They further emphasised that the Duchess is ‘not a tourist’ and shared her profound distress over the wildfires, noting “her heart is completely broken for all the lives that have been lost and for those whose homes have been destroyed in these fires.”
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo also commended the couple for their genuine desire to help, describing them as “great people” with “great personalities.”
He recounted their uplifting visit to the command post at the Rose Bowl, where “They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl, and people were very happy to see them.”
It’s understood that the Duke and Duchess have contributed clothing, children’s items, and other essentials to those impacted by the fires. Additionally, they reportedly opened their home to friends and family who had to evacuate due to the disaster.