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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been labeled ‘disaster tourists’ in search of a ‘photo op’ after they were pictured consoling victims of the catastrophic bushfires in Los Angeles.
The fire destroyed more than 35,000 acres of land, and 24 people died as a result of the fire that swept the region. Many celebrities, including Paris Hilton and When Harry Met Sally Star Billy Crystal has lost their homes.
Justine Bateman, best known for her roles in sitcoms Family ties and Arrested developmentThey were among those unaffected after Meghan and Harry were photographed at the Pasadena Convention Centre, which is being temporarily used as an evacuation center for people who have lost their homes.
In a Fox News broadcast on Friday (January 10), Meghan was pictured wearing a protective mask and baseball cap as she distributed food parcels at a kiosk, and in another moment, she was seen comforting a bushfire victim.
Follow live updates on the California wildfires here
In a post shared to Are they politicians now? They don’t live here. They are disaster tourists.
Bateman lives in the Hollywood Hills, which has been affected by widespread wildfires.
After Prince Harry stepped down from royal duties in 2020, he and Meghan moved to Montecito, California, where they are currently at risk of evacuation and could face power outages.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo told the radio that the couple visited anonymously on Friday morning, and that their public gratitude to emergency services “lifted the morale of first responders” during their visit.
“We visited the command center at the Rose Bowl and people were so happy to see them,” Gordo said, adding that the couple were “great people” with “great personalities.”
The Sussexes were also seen hugging José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, which distributes free hot meals to the public and emergency crews.
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Meghan was also pictured speaking with Mayor Gordo and Doug Goodwin, whose home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena.
According to reports, the Duke and Duchess have supported their neighbors in need by opening their doors to friends and loved ones affected by the disaster. They also made donations to relief efforts through their Archewell Foundation to the people.
A statement published by them Official website “In the past few days, Southern California wildfires have torn through neighborhoods, destroying families, homes, schools, medical care centers and more — impacting tens of thousands from all walks of life,” it said on Thursday (Jan. 9). “A state of emergency has been declared.” “
The statement goes on to list a number of organizations seeking to support those affected by the fire, including Andres World Central Kitchen, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Animal Wellness Foundation.
The couple also suggests other ways people can help, including opening up your home.
“If a friend, loved one or pet has to evacuate and you are able to provide safe haven for them in your home, please do so,” the statement read. “And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating.”
They also suggest “donating clothing, toys, clothing and other necessities” to the American Red Cross.