Prince Harry and Meghan have been seen hugging victims of the wildires raging in Los Angeles as they visited a meal distribution site for those affected.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were filmed by local news outlet Fox 11 on Friday embracing devastated locals and speaking to emergency crews at the Pasadena Community Centre in LA.
The couple also met Victor Gordo, mayor of Pasadena. Mr Gordo said royals ‘great people’ with ‘great personalities’ before adding: “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.”
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In they are seen speaking to World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder chef Jose Andres. WCK has pop-up locations around California, including at the Pasadena Community Centre, where the public and emergency crews can get free hot meals in the wake of the wildfires, its website says.
Meghan was also photographed speaking to Doug Goodwin, whose home was destroyed in the wildfires. The series of major fires have killed at least 11 people, ravaged communities and caused thousands to flee their properties.
The Sussexes visited a meal distribution centre for those affected -Credit:Ethan Swope/AP
Harry and Meghan live in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, some 90 miles from Los Angeles. It is believed the couple have donated clothing, children’s items and other essential supplies for people affected by the fires.
They also invited friends and loved ones who had been forced to evacuate into their home, it is understood. On Thursday they recommended a list of fire service charities, animal groups and other initiatives to support.
A helicopter drops water on the fire in the Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles on Friday -Credit:AP
They said on their website: “In the last few days, wildfires in southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life.”
They added: “If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate, and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do. Be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbours to see if they need help evacuating.
A person walks through a neighborhood destroyed by the Palisades Fire -Credit:AP
“Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.”
According to the Mirror, sources close to the Sussexes also said they are ready to go into “crisis mode” if they need to evacuate their home due to the fires.
A view of burned houses at Malibu Beach -Credit:Anadolu via Getty Images
Their security team is said to have been coordinating an evacuation plan while packing essentials for their children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.
A neighbour recently said: “It’s not chaos here yet but the fire is moving fast and we are not taking any chances.” The couple and their neighbours have been given public safety survival kits. In them there is a solar charger, flashlight and protective equipment. There is also ice, water, snacks and safety pamphlets.