Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped out together in Los Angeles last week to join volunteers as catastrophic wildfires continued to spread through the city. The couple – who live around 90 miles away in Montecito – were seen hugging victims and speaking to emergency crews at an evacuation centre and food bank.
Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, had been serving food to those affected by the fires, and it’s also believed that they have donated money to the LA wildfires appeal via their Archewell Foundation, as well as clothing, children’s items, and other essential supplies.
The city’s mayor, Victor Gordo, praised them, saying, ‘This is their second visit today. We were here earlier today, and they were serving food, anonymously. No one knew they were serving food, with masks on. They didn’t come out here for publicity. They came out here to work.’ He added, ‘Then we went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view first-hand some of the impacted area. Then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and our neighbours.’
However, their good deed appeared to fall flat with many, as critics accused the couple of being ‘opportunistic’. Hollywood star Justine Bateman, known for roles in sitcoms including Family Ties and Arrested Development, brutally branded them ‘disaster tourists’, writing on social media, ‘What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved. They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now?’ She added, ‘They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists.’ Someone else blasted, ‘Meghan and Harry are opportunistic, fame hungry people with zero true empathy,’ while another wrote, ‘They grift on others’ tragedies.’
Now, a source tells heat that Harry and Meghan have been left taken aback by the negative reaction. ‘Meghan and Harry are stunned and appalled at the criticism they’ve endured over all this. It confirms what they already knew to a big extent, that they can’t win no matter what they do or don’t do, their haters will always be out in force finding any way possible to tear them down,’ an insider says.
‘The fact they’ve been name-called and labelled as opportunistic attention seekers simply for trying to help the community and put time and energy into such a worthy cause truly beggars’ belief, as far as they’re concerned. A big part of them wants to just laugh it off but it’s so sick and twisted in their minds that makes it way harder to turn the other cheek. Instead, they’re shaking their heads and feeling very unfairly treated.’
The source adds that former Suits actress Meghan, who is originally from Los Angeles, is particularly upset by the backlash. ‘For Meghan especially, it cuts extremely deep and touches a major nerve. This is her home city burning to the ground, she wants to help, and yet by doing that she’s still getting treated like garbage,’ they explain. ‘Harry is telling her how proud he is, that the only way to handle it is to turn the other cheek and keep their side of the street clean. But of course it gets them down and hurts like hell for both of them, how could it not?’
Over 100,000 LA residents have been forced to evacuate since the fires began earlier this month, and at least 24 people have tragically died as a result of the blaze. Celebrities including Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson and Heidi and Spencer Pratt are among those who have lost their homes.
Taking to their website, Harry and Meghan – who has pushed back her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, until March amid the tragedy – issued a statement titled ‘Southern California Fires’. It read, ‘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. A state of emergency has been issued.’
They then listed several organisations that are seeking to support residents before suggesting ideas for other ways people could help. ‘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,’ they said. ‘And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbours to see if they need help evacuating. 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.’
The couple have opened their own $29million Montecito mansion, where they live with children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, to their friends and loved ones who have been forced to evacuate, with our source saying they’re looking to help in any way they can.
The insider explains, ‘They could have easily left town, but they actually drove two hours towards the fire to help out at the World Central Kitchen. They served meals to people that have been evacuated, they spoke with people and tried to offer some solace. It was exactly what you’d expect of Princess Diana’s son.
‘Meghan is a California girl, this is heartbreaking for her on so many levels, they’re both so sad. But they’re being proactive and they’re looking at ways their foundation can help. People may imagine this only impacting the wealthy but there are plenty of regular people that are suffering unimaginable loss and trauma. There is so much need and they want to make sure they pinpoint the right charities to support in this. They’ve also invited everyone they know that’s in LA and wants to get out to come to their home in Montecito, since it’s not threatened. Emotionally they are very impacted by this, the collective pain and suffering that this city they both love is going through is devastating.’