Prince Harry has been seen for the first time since a brutal magazine article took down him and wife Meghan Markle.
The Duke of Sussex was spotted visiting firefighters and therapy dogs in California following the wildfires that spread through the state last week.
Harry was pictured with members of the Salinas Fire Department as he patted their working pooches in pictures shared by the delighted crew – but it’s not been confirmed exactly when the visit took place.
Harry looks casual in the images and can be seen sporting dark trousers and a black zip up jacket.
The fire department wrote: “Cruz and Taffy, Facility Dogs with the Salinas Fire Dept, along with their friends, have been actively assisting in the efforts to combat the LA fires, providing much-needed support to firefighters and affected communities.
“In an inspiring turn of events, they also had the opportunity to meet Prince Harry, who is known for his philanthropic work and advocacy on various social issues, including disaster relief. This encounter not only boosted their morale but also emphasised the importance of community and collaboration in the face of such devastating challenges.”
The move comes after Harry and Meghan were harshly labelled “disaster tourists” after being photographed consoling victims of the LA wildfires earlier this month. The couple visited an evacuation centre in California, offering hugs and support to those who had lost their homes amidst the horror blaze.
However, actress Justine Bateman criticised their actions as a “repulsive photo op”. On social media, she wrote: “Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive “photo op” they achieved. They are “touring the damage”? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists.”
Footage from Fox 11 Los Angeles showed the Sussexes in Pasadena, interacting with volunteers and the city’s mayor, Victor Gordo.
The pair faced more tough criticism in the Vanity Fair article which was released at the weekend. The piece was headlined ‘American Hustle’ and contained various less than favourable allegations from former employees and neighbours in Montecito. The Sussexes then dismissed the allegations as a source told The Times the pair found the article ‘distressing’.
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