Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at a food bank as they comforted victims and first responders amid the ongoing fires in LA.
The couple distributed food parcels Friday to people affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Center, which is being used as an evacuation center.
Both Harry and Meghan were spotted hugging José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which is distributing meals to the victims.
Meghan, who was dressed in a light blue shirt and blue baseball cap, and Harry also took time to comfort Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo.
The mayor said the couple was keen to provide any support they could, adding that they were “great people” with “great personalities.”
“They really lifted the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl and people were very happy to see them,” the mayor added.
The interaction was broadcast live on Fox News, with news anchor Susan Hirasuna criticized online for describing Meghan as “Princess Markle.” She was also criticized for saying Meghan was “hanging out with the common people.”
It comes after the couple opened the doors of their $29 million Montecito mansion to their friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate due to the ongoing wildfires.
Meghan Markle was spotted comforting victims and first responders at an evacuation center on Friday, amid the ongoing fires in LA
José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which distributes meals to victims of the LA fires, also met Meghan and Harry
Meghan Markle speaks with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, center, and Doug Goodwin, whose home was destroyed by the Eaton fire in Altadena
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle speak with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo
Speaking to Fox News, Mayor Gordo said: ‘They (Harry and Meghan) want to be as helpful as possible and really they just want to be supportive.’
He added that the couple visited some burned homes in Pasadena and Altadena and spoke with those who had lost their homes.
‘They took the time to meet and spend time with the people affected. They are just very caring people who are very concerned about their friends and neighbors,” the mayor said.
Harry and Meghan urged other Los Angeles residents to open their homes to victims in a statement on their website, Sussex.com, as the wildfires continued to level celebrity homes, leaving nothing but ash and rubble left behind.
The couple appealed: ‘If a friend, loved one or pet needs to evacuate and you can offer them a safe haven in your home, please do so.
“And be sure to contact any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating.”
“Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys and clothing, and other essentials,” they said, noting that the American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.
Harry and Meghan have already done this, according to The Telegraph, and are working with their Archewell Foundation staff to identify the most effective ways to support the community.
Donations have also been made to relief efforts through their foundation, which is also looking for volunteer opportunities.
Thousands of firefighters have been trying to contain California’s wind-driven fires, which have so far killed 10 people, destroyed communities and sent thousands of people frantically fleeing their properties.