The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a surprise visit on Friday (10) to a meal distribution center for people affected by wildfires in Los Angeles, California.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were spotted by a local Fox 11 news team at the Pasadena Convention Center.
The couple spoke with the founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK), José Andrés, and volunteers from the organization, as well as first responders and victims. WCK, which has a long-standing partnership with the Archewell Foundation, founded by the couple, has been distributing free meals to emergency responders and those affected by the .
The couple was also seen hugging Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, who described the couple to Fox 11 as “great people” who “really livened up the place.”
“They want to be as helpful as possible and really, they just want to be supportive,” Gordo said. He added that they “didn’t go for publicity” but rather “to work.”
Crews have reported progress against the wildfires, but more than 100,000 residents remain under evacuation orders. It is known that , but the real number remains uncertain until authorities can safely access neighborhoods.
Prince Harry and Meghan moved to the United States in 2020, where they settled in Montecito, about 90 miles from Los Angeles, with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The Duke and Duchess are believed to have donated clothing, children’s items and other essential supplies. It is also believed that they offered their home to friends and loved ones who were forced to relocate.
“In recent days, they have devastated families, homes, schools, health care centers and more – affecting tens of thousands of people from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been issued,” Harry and Meghan posted on Thursday (9).
They provided a list of resources, including fire charities and temporary housing initiatives, as well as other groups operating in the affected areas.
“If a friend, loved one or pet has to move and you can offer them a safe haven in your home, please do so,” they highlighted.
The pair also highlighted that some individuals were “left with nothing” and asked people “to consider donating clothes, toys and children’s clothing and other essential items. The American Red Cross is on site helping.”
*Max Foster, da CNNcontributed to this article
