Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have met with victims of the LA fires along with first responders who have been on the frontlines as blazes tore through Southern California this week.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday, which has become an evacuation site for victims of the Eaton fire in nearby Altadena.
The Post understands it was not a planned press visit but rather an effort to make a meaningful difference in their community while trying to avoid causing disruption.
Meghan, 43, and Harry, 40, wore baseball hats as they tried to maintain a low profile, with Markle opting for a blue LA Dodgers cap (the former “Suits” star grew up in the Los Feliz neighborhood of LA) and Harry choosing a black “Cali” hat from Los Angeles-based brand James Perse.
Sources told The Post that the Duke and Duchess were focused on supporting and helping both physically and emotionally without causing chaos.
The couple heard harrowing stories but also witnessed strong community spirit, insiders revealed.
Having previously made monetary donations to the relief efforts via their Archewell Foundation, Meghan and Harry donated clothing, children’s items, and other essential supplies to the main donation center on Friday.
The pair began their visit by serving meals alongside volunteers from chef Jose Andrés’ World Central Kitchen (WCK) outside the Convention Center, accompanied by the First Partner of California, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
Inside the center, the pair took time to connect with elderly individuals and families affected by the crisis.
Meghan and Harry later returned to the Pasadena Convention Center to meet with José Andrés, whose World Central Kitchen has been providing food to fire victims and first responders at pop-up food stations around LA County.
The royals expressed their appreciation to all of the teams working tirelessly to support the community.
Sources also told The Post that the Duke and Duchess are committed to further supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts, and have already planned additional visits to the community.
Mayor Gordo spoke with Fox 11 about the couple’s visit shortly after they departed.
“They didn’t come out here for publicity; they came out here to work,” Gordo said.
“We went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view first hand some of the impacted area,” he added. “And then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and our neighbors.
“They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders.”
The couple recently opened their sprawling $29.5 million Montecito mansion to friends of theirs who have fled the fires.
In a message shared on their website Thursday, Meghan and Harry suggested how members of the public who “feel compelled to help” can contribute to relief efforts.
In addition to listing a range of charitable organizations that are assisting with the crisis and are in need of donations, the Duke and Duchess urged those who are able to “open your home.”
“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 pair said in their statement. “And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating.”
Thus far, over 5,000 structures have been destroyed, and more than 200,000 Angelenos have been evacuated as the Palisades, Eaton and Kenneth fires (among others) remain burning. With 35,000 acres burned, local authorities have said that at least 11 people are dead as a result of the wildfires.
