Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, met with wildfire survivors and emergency medical workers on Friday in Pasadena, Calif., as they suggested ways for people to help victims of the deadly blazes in Southern California.
The couple spoke with officials at a food distribution site where the World Central Kitchen charity was handing out meals. They met with the Spanish chef José Andrés, who founded the organization, hugging him closely. The couple are longtime supporters of World Central Kitchen, which offers hot meals to people in crisis zones.
“They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders,” Victor Gordo, the mayor of Pasadena, told Fox 11 Los Angeles, which broadcast footage of their visit. The couple wore white masks to protect themselves from the smoky air.
The Eaton fire, the second biggest fire ravaging Southern California this week, has burned since Tuesday in the mountains north of Pasadena and prompted thousands of people to evacuate their homes. Mr. Gordo said that Harry and Meghan, the duke and duchess of Sussex, had met with families affected by the fires, served meals and visited a police and fire command post at the Rose Bowl.
“People were very happy to see them,” he said.
Harry and Meghan moved to California after a bitter rift with the British royal family prompted them to step back from official duties in 2020. They live in Montecito, Calif., about a 90-minute drive north of Los Angeles.
In a statement on their website, the couple urged support for agencies assisting in the fire response, including World Central Kitchen and organizations helping firefighters and animals.
“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,” the statement said. “And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating.”
