Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are ‘offended’ by Justine Bateman’s claims that they were only helping out in the LA wildfires for a ‘photo op’ as they are ‘disaster tourists’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle feel ‘offended’ after Justine Bateman’s disparaging comments about their efforts to help with the Los Angeles wildfires.

The couple, who live 90 miles from the Californian town of Montecito, near Santa Barbara, were seen on Friday handing out food parcels and speaking to survivors of the wildfires.

But Hollywood actress Bateman, 58, took to photo recording’. ‘.

Sources have now said this Page six that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex find her comments ‘offensive’ and Meghan’s heart is ‘broken’ due to her close ties to LA, including growing up in the area.

The source told the newspaper: ‘It is insulting to Meghan and Harry that anyone would think this is just a photo opportunity.

“Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles, so this is and will always be her home.”

They added that Meghan, 43, is “not just a tourist,” and that her “heart is completely broken for all the lives lost and for those whose homes have been destroyed by these fires.”

The former working royals were spotted in a clip at an evacuation center – just hours before it was confirmed the death toll from the fires had risen to 24.

They also opened their home in Montecito to victims and donated money and essential items, it was reported.

Family Ties star Bateman wrote online: ‘Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers.

‘What a disgusting ‘photo op’ they have created. They ‘inspect the damage’? Are they politicians now?

“They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster tourists.’

FEMAIL has contacted representatives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment.

Video captured by Fox 11 Los Angeles showed Harry and Meghan in Pasadena on Friday, mingling with volunteers and the city’s mayor, Victor Gordo.

But the couple was eager to provide whatever support they could, according to the mayor, who said 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 the people were very happy to see them,” Gordo added.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had distributed food parcels to those affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Center which is used as an evacuation center.

The couple were also seen hugging José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which is distributing free hot meals to the public and emergency services in the aftermath of the bushfires.

The interaction was broadcast live on FOX LA, with news anchor Susan Hirasuna later 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 mansion in Montecito, about 90 miles from LA, to their friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate due to the ongoing wildfires.

Speaking to FOX LA, 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,” Gordo said.

The fires that have ravaged the city have killed 24 people and destroyed nearly 14,000 hectares.

The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner released a list of fatalities without providing details on their identities. Eight of the dead were found in the Palisades Fire zone and 16 in the Eaton Fire zone, the document said.

About 4,000 to 5,000 buildings have also been damaged or destroyed, including the homes of Hollywood stars.

US President Joe Biden has chillingly predicted the death toll is likely to rise after describing the terrifying situation as “like a scene of war”.

Bateman’s public blast came after Meghan revealed she was pushing back the release date of her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, due to the ongoing wildfire crisis in LA.

The program was supposed to be released on January 15, but this has now been moved to March 4.

A statement from the Duchess of Sussex on Sunday, three days before the series was due to debut, said: ‘I am grateful to my partners at Netflix for their support in delaying the launch while we focus on the needs of those affected. because of the wildfires in my home state of California.”

With Love, Meghan will reportedly pay tribute to the California-based royal family’s home state and her personal ties to it.

PR experts had questioned the timing of the release of Meghan’s cooking show on Netflix, saying it had to be postponed due to the bushfires.

They suggested it be aired now as it could come across as ‘insensitive’ and ‘tone deaf’ and cause a strong backlash against the royal couple.

British brand and culture expert Nick Ede told MailOnline: ‘I think Netflix bosses will have to make some big decisions about whether With Love, Meghan will air next week.

“Because the show is so centered on life in California, Los Angeles and Montecito, and provides a glimpse into an ambitious and inspiring life, I suspect it will be pulled from its current schedule and postponed for at least a few months. ‘

A description of the series on Tudum’s website read: ‘Produced by Meghan, With Love, Meghan combines practical how-tos and candid conversations with friends new and old.

“Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection, and highlighting how easy it can be to create beauty even in the unexpected.

‘She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, garden and beyond and invite you to do the same.’